In-Line Launch Record to be broken at Waterford Airport during Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships

Sept 2014

A record attempt for the largest number of Hot Air Balloons to take off simultaneously in a single line will take place at Waterford Airport on Monday, September 22 at 7.30 am, weather permitting, as part of the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships which take place in Waterford City from September 21st to 26th 2014.

The record was set at Waterford Airport back in 2009 when 24 eye-catching hot air balloons took to the skies above the airport and booked their place in history as the largest ever number of hot air balloons taking off in-line at an airport in Ireland and in the UK. This week there are over 30 balloons taking part in the attempt.

Commenting on the record attempt, event organiser and balloonist Joe Daly said, “We are delighted to take part in this in-line launch at Waterford Airport, there are over 30 balloons visiting this festival, so should we be successful at Waterford Airport on Monday in setting this record it will be a tough one to beat.”

Desmond O’Flynn, CEO at Waterford Airport said they looking forward to playing their part. “It is great to be involved to and provide Air Traffic Control assistance to the balloon crews for the duration of the festival and for the record attempt. We wish the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championship crew every success in the city this week.”

The Irish National Hot Air Ballooning Championships are the longest running such event in the world and balloons from throughout Ireland, the UK, France, Holland, Italy and USA will travel to take part in the visually spectacular aviation event. Each morning and evening of the festival, a launch of the balloons will take place from a different location subject to weather conditions. Locations include The People’s Park, Piltown, Lismore Castle, Carriganore, Carroll’s Cross. In addition to the launches, the balloonists plan to provide a spectacular Night Glow sponsored by Re/Max where they inflate at night to the sound of music on the City’s Quayside, a sight to behold for all spectators. The night glow is weather dependant, it is currently planned for Tuesday evening at 9pm and will be confirmed in full on Facebook.com/IrishBallooningChampionship.

During the festival the Balloon crews will also travel to local schools to demonstrate the balloons and talk to schoolchildren about the science of ballooning.

The championships are kindly sponsored by Genzyme, Re/Max, Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Airport.

Further information can be found on www.flywaterford.com or www.irishballoonchampionships.com