Neil Robertson and Aleš Kubícek to be Awarded in October with In-Person Ceremony

The International Aeronautics Federation's FAI Ballooning Commission added a pair of pioneers to their CIA International Balloon and Airship Hall of Fame in the form of Neil Roberston and Aleš Kubícek, setting a date for their induction next October.

The FAI's Ballooning Commission oversees the lighter-than-air side of record keeping and oversight for international operations, stewarding the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and keeping track of every happening of the industry around the world.

Neil Robertson, born 1937, gained notoriety flying the G-OLLE balloon in the 70s, where he flew the unorthodox 'Golliwog' balloon in support of advertising his food company. G-OLLE took flight to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Bristol, England, in addition to making its way West for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the 2nd FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship in 1975. Robertson went on to fly the balloon in 43 countries in all, making his way to each in his own fixed-wing aircraft in between locations. Robertson even competed in the 1st FAI World Air Games, doing so once again in 2001 with good old G-OLLE in tow. Passing away in 2023, Robertson finished his career with a new venture in Sultan Balloons, as well as picking up the FAI Bronze Medal for his support.

The second inductee, Aleš Kubí?ek, born 1955, found his start in less air-friendly circumstances. Born in Czechoslovakia under the Iron Curtain, Kubícek managed to find like-minded friends to kickstart their own balloon design and manufacture, forming the Aviation Club Brno to make the OVO balloon. The design was a success, made by less than a dozen employees, ultimately growing to employ more than 140 today. Kubicek Balloons, the firm notes, is "the only manufacturer in the world to produce, coat, and color their own fabric." To date, they've created more than 2,300 lighter-than-air aircraft, 1,300 baskets, 2,750 burners, 20,000 inflatables, and 8 airplanes in the course of business, continuing as an anchor in the Euro ballooning scene.

The induction ceremony will take place at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum on Friday 4 October 2024. The Balloon Museum extends its congratulations to the honorees and their families on being brought into this exclusive cadre of distinguished aeronauts.

FMI: www.fai.org