Meet our Experts
HABFest brings together the world's top hot air ballooning experts, with a professional lineup to lead our tethered rides and hot air balloon display sessions. We aim to deliver an unprecedented hot air balloon event to Hong Kong! Our experts will be on-site from 4 September to 7 September — come and say hi to them!
Ian Martin HABFest is honored to have International Hot Air Balloon Master Ian Martin serve as our Safety Director and Honorary Advisor. With 38 years of international flying experience, Ian has logged over 2,500 flight hours, piloting hot air balloons of unique shapes across more than 20 countries on 5 continents. Ian has served for over 20 years on the flying committee of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, one of the largest balloon events in the world, with over 500,000 visitors each year. For 16 years Ian has been the choreographer and director of the famous Bristol Night Glow show. He provides valuable insights for HABFest event coordination, bringing in visual artistry with rigorous safety standards, making HABFest a new landmark for Asia!
Paolo Bonanno is a seven-time record-breaking champion of Italian hot air balloon competitions. His accomplishment was recognized by the CIA International Hall of Fame, the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) — an honor bestowed upon only a select few pilots worldwide! His piloting skills are renowned globally for their precision.
Paolo has been a leading name in Italian aerostatics for many years, renowned and respected worldwide. The hot air balloon burner system he invented, the Cameron Sirocco Burner, has become the global industry standard and is regarded as a benchmark for safety. His other hot air balloon accessory inventions include the Bonanno Quick Release, Bonanno Liquid Propane Filters, Bonanno Fuel Level, and Bonanno Freedom. Today, he is considered the “Maestro” of burners by thousands of pilots around the world.
Paolo’s appearance at HABFest is the ultimate highlight of this aerial event.
Andy Austin As the National Safety Officer and Pilot Training Officer of British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC), Andy trains the next generation of pilots. With over 1,000 hours of flight experience, he specializes in operating unique shaped hot air balloons and high-altitude flights, while also promoting inclusive flying for people with disabilities (designing baskets tailored for accessibility). Under his expert guidance, every tethered flight experience adheres to the highest safety standards, ensuring everyone has a fun and secure time.
HABFest is committed to "aviation-grade safety" as its operational core, combining world-class pilots' technical skills and artistry. From equipment inspections and weather analysis to pilot qualifications, the entire process follows international aviation standards. HABFest is not just an unprecedented hot air balloon event in Hong Kong but also the ultimate showcase of professionalism and aesthetics.