Ballooning service rises in Mandalay

MANDALAY will get its first hot-air balloon flights during the coming peak season in October.

The newly-launched Oriental Ballooning Company will run balloon flights every morning between October 25, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Subject to suitable weather conditions, flights take off just before sunrise and will cost US$320 per person.

Ma Ni Ni Khaing, operations manager from Oriental Ballooning, said the hot-air balloons were made by the UK’s largest and longest-running balloon manufacturer, Cameron Balloons, and are maintained by certified balloon inspectors working according to standards set by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The company hires experienced UK commercial balloon pilot licence holders to operate the rides, and international insurance is included for passengers.

“We have a total of six balloons, among which two can carry four passengers each and the remaining four can carry eight passengers each,” she said. “Demand is really high from the European and Asian markets.”

Ma Ni Ni Khaing added that the company was awaiting approval from the Department of Civil Aviation to expand its services to Bagan and Inle Lake, and was also looking into other destinations such as Pindaya in Shan state.

Oriental Ballooning Company is a subsidiary of Amata Group, which is currently developing Amata Resort and Spa in Ngapali beach and Amata Garden Resort in Inle Lake.

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