From a small team in the 1980s to a global leader, Kubíček Balloons has grown through passion and innovation. Founded by Aleš Kubíček, we've evolved from our first balloon in Brno to a cutting-edge factory, setting aviation standards.
Kubíček Balloons, a name now synonymous with high-quality hot air balloons, has its roots deeply entrenched in the aviation history of Brno, dating back to the early 1980s. The story of our company is a testament to passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of lighter-than-air aviation.
The journey began in the Aviatik Club of Brno, where a group of aviation enthusiasts, led by Aleš Kubíček, embarked on an ambitious project—designing and building their first hot air balloon. This initial endeavor resulted in the creation of the OVO, a full-sized balloon that marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
Aleš's fascination with lighter-than-air aviation didn't stop there. In 1985, driven by curiosity and determination, he constructed his first airship. Although the project was ahead of its time, it provided invaluable experience, which later contributed to the successful construction of the AV1 and AV2 airships.
From the outset, Aleš Kubíček envisioned hot air balloons as a viable mode of passenger transport. This vision materialized in 1988 when the Aviatik Club produced its first large balloon, with a volume of 5,000 m³ (175,000 cu ft). This balloon captured the imagination of people across Czechoslovakia, garnering widespread interest and respect.
At that time, private companies focused on aviation were not permitted, so lighter-than-air production was undertaken under the auspices of Aerotechnik Kunovice. By 1989, Aleš had constructed around 30 hot air balloons under the Aerotechnik name, laying the groundwork for what would become Kubíček Balloons.
The Velvet Revolution in 1989 brought about significant changes, allowing for the establishment of private companies. Seizing this opportunity, Aleš Kubíček founded the Kubíček Balloons company, relocating all balloon manufacturing activities under this new entity.
In this dynamic new business environment, Kubíček Balloons quickly expanded its product line to include not only hot air balloons but also cold air and helium-filled inflatables. The company initially operated from a condominium building in the heart of Brno, but as demand grew, so did the need for space and resources.
Recognizing the critical importance of high-quality balloon fabric, Kubíček Balloons established a weaving mill in Černá Hora, located 20 km north of Brno. This strategic move ensured that the company was never dependent on external fabric suppliers. Although the weaving operation has since evolved into Textil Kubíček, an independent company, the close relationship between the two entities remains strong, akin to that of twins.
As Kubíček Balloons continued to grow, the original premises in Brno became increasingly cramped. In 1998, a new floor was added to the envelope section, followed by the establishment of a new basket and burner workshop. However, it soon became clear that further expansion was necessary.
In January 2005, Kubíček Balloons moved to a new, purpose-built factory on the outskirts of Brno. Perched atop a hill at the end of Jarni Street, the new factory provided the perfect environment for the company's operations. The site even includes a dedicated launch area where newly constructed balloons are inflated, allowing the seamstresses to admire their handiwork in action.
The factory's design facilitates smooth and efficient production, with the envelope and artwork departments located upstairs, while the basket and burner workshops operate downstairs. The front of the building houses the accounts department, engineers, and the ever-busy sales team. A bell in the reception hall rings out every time a new sale is confirmed, a reminder of the company's ongoing success.
Today, Kubíček Balloons stands as a beacon of quality and innovation in the hot air balloon industry. Our skilled workforce, engineers, and technicians are dedicated to serving our customers, while our enthusiastic sales team is always ready to assist with new orders.
As we continue to build on our rich heritage, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in lighter-than-air aviation. Whether you're a seasoned balloonist or a first-time flyer, Kubíček Balloons is here to make your dreams take flight.
