Giant 'Flying Suitcase' balloon targets world record attempt over Roscommon skies
'The Flying Suitcase' balloon is capable of holding the equivalent volume of 25 double-decker buses. Pic: hotelindigobath
The upcoming 54th Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships in Boyle will host the Irish debut of a massive, suitcase-shaped hot air balloon as part of an ambitious world record bid.
The balloon, capable of holding the equivalent volume of 25 double-decker buses, is preparing to launch over Roscommon skies as part of an official Guinness World Records attempt.
Nicknamed 'The Flying Suitcase', this 22-metre wide balloon was commissioned by Northern Ireland baggage shipping firm 'Send My Bag' to commemorate 20 years in business.
Taking centre-stage at the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships at Lough Key Forest Park from September 19th–23rd, the flight marks the Irish leg of its bid to capture the record for the most countries flown in by a single hot-air balloon within a calendar year.
Subject to favourable weather, launches will take place daily from the park at roughly 7 a.m. and 5 p.m..
Each official flight will track altitude and duration to satisfy record requirements. The expedition will involve visits to 30 European locations this autumn, followed by legs across Australia, Asia, and the Americas in 2027.
For 'Send My Bag' founder and CEO Adam Ewart, bringing The Flying Suitcase to Ireland is a particularly meaningful stop on the company’s 20th-anniversary journey: "We're delighted Roscommon is part of that journey, and we'd love for people to come along to the championships and see The Flying Suitcase for themselves".
Frank Meldon, Event Director for the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships, said The Flying Suitcase's arrival adds a standout moment to this year's event. "Special-shaped balloons always get people talking, and this year The Flying Suitcase is the only one of its kind in the skies over Roscommon, so it's going to be a real focal point for spectators and photographers.
"It's also the only balloon at this year's event chasing a Guinness World Record, which gives the whole championships an extra bit of excitement. We're delighted Send My Bag picked Roscommon as part of their journey, and we'd love for people to come down to Lough Key Forest Park and see it for themselves," he said.
