Air Balloons operations in general and its future in Pakistan Aviation industry

1. AIR BALLOONS (AVIATION)
AIR BALLOONS OPERATIONS IN GENERAL AND ITS
FUTURE IN PAKISTAN AVIATION INDUSTRY
Group Member Names:
Huzaifa Tahir Ahmed (11357)
Yousuf Siddiqui (11274)
Danial Tariq (11382)
Muhammad Umar (11406)
Shayan Ali (11065)
Muhammad Faizan Khan(11179)
Part A
Part B
Part C
Part D
Part E
Part F

2. A) HISTORY OF HOT AIR BALLOONS:
Hot air balloons are the oldest form of aviation, the history of hot air balloons begins
over 200 years ago. From 17th century, the hot air balloons has intrigued both
adventurers and tourists. In 1766 Henry Cavendish from England found that items can
be lifted from Earth using hydrogen because it is lighter than air. In 1782, the idea was
taken a step further by Joseph Michel Montgolfier from Annonay, France. He did an
experiment using a silk bag filled with hot air and was able to make the bag rise and
fly for 10 minutes.
In 1783, French scientist filled a large spherical bag with hot air attached with basket
and lifted three farm animals (a duck, sheep and rooster) which flew three kilometers
for almost eight minutes. Later on this year, Pilatre de Rozier and François Laurent
d’Arlandes fly from Paris in a genuine ‘hot air’ balloon created out of paper-lined cloth
by wealthy brothers and papermakers Jacques Etienne and Joseph Michel
Montgolfier.

3. B) TYPES OF HOT AIR BALLONS
1) Airship/Dirigible Balloons: These balloons are steerable and very light, and there
is an engine that is used to move through the air.

4. B) TYPES OF HOT AIR BALLONS
2) Hot Air Balloons: Hot air balloons are very old and are a type of flying machine.
There is an envelope on the balloon which holds heated air.

5. B) TYPES OF HOT AIR BALLONS
3) Ceiling Balloons: Ceiling balloons are used for meteorological purposes that
include determining the height of certain clouds found above ground level.

6. B) TYPES OF HOT AIR BALLONS
4) Fire Balloons: Fire balloons were used during World War II by Japan, and they
were hydrogen balloons that carried bombs.

7. B) TYPES OF HOT AIR BALLONS
5) Solar Balloons: Much like its name suggests, solar balloons gain buoyancy when
the inside air is heated by the sun, and they are most often made with solid-coloured
materials, usually black or some other dark colour.

8. B) SAFETY MEASURES
Typically, pilots choose the early morning hours to fly, since wind speeds are still low.
Low wind speeds make hot air balloons much safer, and the flights are more
enjoyable, since the balloon gently drifts, rather than being buffeted along. The
weather is the most important concern in hot air balloon safety. High winds and
extreme weather such as sleet and snow are potentially very dangerous. An
experienced pilot will not fly in these conditions. Good pilots also always check their
equipment before beginning a flight. A hot air balloon is a relatively simple craft. To
help ensure the safety of pilot and passengers, a hot air balloon may carry several
pieces of safety equipment.

9. C) HOT AIR BALOONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
1) Cappadocia, Turkey: Cappadocia, Turkey has been voted the top hot air balloon destination
many times. Hot air ballooning here is available throughout the year (weather depending of
course).

10. C) HOT AIR BALOONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
2) Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the 2nd largest
hot air ballooning event in the world and is said to be the most photographed event on earth!
Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
3) Maasai Mara, Kenya: The Maasai Mara is one of the most popular safari destinations in
Africa. It is also known for its amazing hot air balloon rides over the famous Serengeti. It is a
unique way to experience wildlife sightings.
4) Sossusvlei, Namibia: One of the best ways to experience this exceptional landscape,
besides sand boarding on the massive dunes, is a hot air balloon ride. Sossusvlei has the most
amazing sunrises one can ever see

11. C) HOT AIR BALOONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
5)Costa Brava, Catalonia Spain: If you ever travel to Catalonia one of the many highlights of
the trip could be the hot air balloon ride over the Costa Brava. Catalonia is beautiful but seen
from the sky, it’s fabulous.

12. C) HOT AIR BALOONS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
6) Jaipur, India: It is a wondrous place that is striking from the sky. Hot air balloon rides are
available from September through to April each year and are most popular in the morning for
sunrise

13. D) HOW IT COULD BE SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY IN
PAKISTAN?
Some key points that this industry could make a point in establishing in
Pakistan are:
 It would help in tourism. It would be easier for the travelers to book a hot air
balloon and may survey over Pakistan.
 It can give relief to those suffering from depression and anxiety as Pakistan
doesn’t have much psychological doctors and any treatment for such people. Hot
air balloon promotes happiness.
 Hot air balloon can be used in events as well generating income for Pakistan.
 Flexibility – high class marketing can be done through such kind of balloons
though it might be expensive. Brand will be etched in their minds.
 It requires less amount of work force meaning that lower amount of budget is
required.

14. E) PLACES IN PAKISTAN WHERE IT COULD BE
EFFECTIVELY OPERATED
1. Islamabad: Islamabad’s view is one of the most amazing view you will ever
witness, the dawn and dusk on Margalla Hills makes it more mesmerizing.
2. Kallar Kahar: TDCP Lake View Resort at Kallar Kahaar is an ideally located
accommodation and picnic spot on the shores of a picturesque Lake.
3. Karachi: Karachi is also known as the city of lights. It could be the best location for
ballooning as it gives perfect combination of sightseeing as it is attached to the
great Arabian Sea and on the other hand the beauty of the city which could make
the ballooning experience everlasting.
4. Fairy Meadows: Enjoy unparalleled views of the beautiful Nanga Parbat (8,126m)
an 8,000m peak up-close without doing multi-day trekking.
5. Balochistan: As there are many places in Baluchistan where ballooning industry
could take place as it has the breath-taking and amazing views. Like The princess
of hope, charna-island, gawaddar

15. F) THE OPERATING COST OF HOT AIR BALLOONS
Owning A Hot Air Balloon:
 Cost of balloon: A new Hot air Balloon could cost around 1 crore to 1.5 crore after all the
taxes and tariff in the country.
 Fuel they need to fly: Balloons are mainly powered by propane gas, a single flight could
cost $200 - $260 for just one flight.
 Compulsory chase crew on ground: Every flight needs to have a chase crew on the
ground to follow the balloon.
 Service: Annual inspections and repairs cost a balloonist an average of $1,000 a year.
 Envelope Depreciation: The life of a hot air balloon envelope is limited to between 250 and
250 hours depending on use, quality and other factors, such as storage and loading.
 Per flight cost to passenger: Each ride runs about $400–$500 per person. However, with a
Group on, you can find similar hot air balloon ride prices for as low as $200 per person

16. F) WHY IN PAKISTAN THIS INDUSTRY HAS NEVER
BEEN CONSIDERED AS BUSINESS AVENUE
 Manufacturing issue: As Pakistan is lacking manufacturing department many of the investor
never take a risky business and don’t invest in something that they know never going to be
running.
 It could cost a lot: As we have talked earlier a new loon could cost around RS.2 crore to
RS.2.5 crore.
 Not safe under unskilled people: Hot air balloon has a long history and its pilot has a lot of
experience in their field. As a new pilot and the crew they need a lot of experience not living
here but getting out in those countries where it is casually flown
 Can’t be flown in urban area: It is mandatory that hot air blown can’t take off between
building it needs an empty are where it could takeoff. It needs an empty field or a farm area.
 People in rural can’t afford: It’s obvious that in low income area a person can’t afford 1.5lac
for just an hour of view. His earning could be around 20k to 30k. And they don’t seem to be
interested in such things because of a simple lifestyle.
 Station for gas: Station just for the hot air balloon where really less people can afford the
luxury it would be abandon a whole year long.