Alice Springs-based company Outback Ballooning has recently launched a new hot air balloon which offers capacity for 24 passengers plus pilot, making it currently the largest commercial hot air balloon operating in Australia and potentially the southern hemisphere.

The new balloon’s basket is divided into four separate passenger compartments plus one exclusively for the pilot and includes seating, with passengers able to be seated for both take-off and landing, as well as for the duration of the flight.

The new balloon was literally handmade by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, England which have manufactured over 12,000 balloons since the early 1970’s. Approximately 2,500 metres or more than 2.5 kilometres of fabric, sewn up by approximately 16 kilometres of thread, makes up the impressive balloon envelope.

Early morning flights are conducted over the spectacular outback landscape and provide an opportunity to view desert sunrise from a lofty height.  Balloon flights generally take off approximately 15 kilometres south of Alice Springs, adjacent to the scenic MacDonnell Ranges and over the historic Owen Springs Cattle Station. The experience concludes with champagne and light refreshments.

With 30 years’ experience and around 250,000 passengers carried in that time, Outback Ballooning is one of the longest established ballooning businesses in Australia.