7 April 2017: Keltbray’s hot air balloon was one of the largest ever group of hot air balloons to cross the English Channel today
Keltbray’s balloon was one of the 82 hot air balloons which successfully crossed the British Cannel from England to France this morning; beating the last record of 49 in 2011.
It was a great sight when a fleet of the colourful hot air balloons filled the skies above Dover shortly after 6.10am, when the fleet began its voyage across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The previous record was set in 2011 when 49 balloons crossed the Channel, so they needed at least 50 balloons to complete the journey across to France to beat the previous record in 2011 which saw 49 balloons take part.
Exclusive Ballooning operations director Andrew Holly, who looks after Keltbray’s balloon and was behind the initiative, said the chance to break the world record for a second time was just too tempting an opportunity to miss: “I’m always asked about my favourite flights having flown for 20 years all over the world. Without doubt, the Channel crossing flight in 2011 is my number one and the opportunity to repeat this was just too tempting.
“We’re delighted to be able to share this experience with so many other friends and balloonists and also give the opportunity to those new younger pilots who were not eligible to take part in 2012.”
Keltbray’s balloon can be spotted top right in the picture.
