Our Balloons

G-BVZT - Molly Mae

This balloon was purchased second-hand by pilot Jamie in 2007 and was intended to be his main flying balloon once he obtained his licence. Sadly, in early 2008, Jamie lost his daughter due to complications from a premature birth. He decided to honour her name and memory by having it sewn onto the balloon.

Jamie completed his training using this balloon and went on to attain his licence with it as well.

It remained Jamie’s main flying balloon until 2016, when she became a little tired for regular flying. She is now brought out for special occasions.

G-BVZT is a Lindstrand 90A, meaning she holds 90,000 cubic feet of hot air. The ‘A’ refers to the type of balloon, which was designed for logo advertisement due to its smooth envelope design. Lindstrand Balloons no longer exists, so it’s a privilege to own a piece of flying history as well.

G-TIMX - Kingfisher

This balloon was purchased by Jamie in 2016 and was nearly brand new at the time. It has been the team’s main balloon ever since and has flown at events across the UK. The balloon’s name, Kingfisher, comes from the bird, known for its vibrant colours—similar to those of the balloon itself.

Kingfisher is booked for several events each year and is a regular sight in the skies over Northamptonshire.

G-TIMX is a Head Balloon AX8-88B, meaning it holds 88,000 cubic feet of hot air. The balloon was manufactured in the United States and is one of only three Head Balloons in the UK. Head Balloons are known for their simple construction and remarkable durability—Kingfisher still flies as well today as it did in 2016.

G-BLXF - Memories

This balloon was kindly gifted to the team by the family of the late Peter Lawman in 2025. Pete was an active member of the team until he sadly passed away in 2024 following a battle with cancer. G-BXLF was his very first balloon, and he learned to fly in it during the 1990s. Pilot Jamie remembers seeing G-BXLF flying over the town back then, as well as at the Northampton Balloon Festival.

Although the balloon’s flying life has now come to an end, a recent test inflation revealed that it still stands well and looks beautiful. As a result, it will continue to be used for night glows and special events. It will also serve as a valuable training tool, giving trainee pilots experience in rigging and inflating balloons—allowing Pete’s passion for ballooning to live on in his memory.

G-BXLF is a Cameron Balloons Viva 77, holding 77,000 cubic feet of hot air. The Viva design gives it a more bulbous shape compared to other models. It’s a classic balloon, and the team feels very fortunate to have it as part of their collection.

G-OAWS - Auto

G-OAWS was purchased by trainee pilot Liam Menzies and his family in 2025 to help him pursue his dream of becoming a hot air balloon pilot. The balloon originally featured Auto Windscreens logos during its commercial use in the 1990s. After the contract ended, the central section of the envelope was replaced with new material. The balloon was then largely unused until Liam acquired it.

G-OAWS is particularly unique due to its Tri-Vent deflation system—an early version of rapid deflation. Unlike the standard pull-operated parachute system common in most balloons, the Tri-Vent features a triangular seal that is pulled sideways, allowing for a quicker release of air.

The balloon flies exceptionally well and is expected to support Liam throughout his training and beyond.

G-OAWS is a Thunder & Colt Balloons 77A, holding 77,000 cubic feet of hot air. The ‘A’ refers to the envelope design, which—like G-BVZT—was intended for artwork and branding. Thunder & Colt was acquired in the early 2000s, making this balloon a rare and treasured example of ballooning history. G-OAWS is also one of very few balloons still flying with a Tri-Vent system.

Our Balloons

This page showcases the balloons currently flown and operated by Molly Mae Ballooning and a little bit about them and their unique history.