The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Ballooning Commission (CIA) Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2024 inductees. The announcement was made during the March 2024 plenary meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, which houses the FAI CIA Balloon and Airship Hall of Fame, revealed that Neil Robertson from the United Kingdom and Aleš Kubíček from the Czech Republic are this year's honorees.
"Ballooning is an integral part of our city’s identity, with the International Balloon Fiesta firmly established as one of most anticipated events in the world," Mayor Tim Keller stated. "Albuquerque is the perfect place to host the induction of these trailblazers, the best place to celebrate the sport, and the best place for families."
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Balloon Museum. The museum extended its congratulations to both honorees and their families for joining this exclusive group of distinguished aeronauts.
Neil Robertson made his debut in ballooning in 1973 when he partnered with Don Cameron to create the original G-OLLE balloon. This commercial balloon advertised Robertson's food company and participated in Bristol's 600th anniversary celebration. Robertson built another G-OLLE that took part in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® and second World Hot Air Balloon Championship in 1975. He was also responsible for overseas development at Cameron's company and flew their balloons in forty-three countries.
Robertson placed third at the inaugural World Rozière Balloon Championship in 1990 flying G-WRLD. He played a significant role in organizing six World Hot Air Balloon Championships and received a Certificate of Appreciation from FAI in 1995 for his service as Secretary of FAI Ballooning Commission. Robertson also organized the first FAI World Air Games in Türkiye in 1997 and again in Spain in 2001. He was awarded the FAI Bronze Medal for his tenure organizing FAI sporting events in 2001.
Aleš Kubíček's contribution to ballooning is notable for his establishment of a balloon manufacturing company under challenging circumstances in 1980s Czechoslovakia. With the help of friends who shared his passion for flying, he created one of the most successful balloon companies globally.
Kubíček became a licensed pilot in 1983, the same year he and Aviatik Klub Brno produced their first model and the now famous OVO balloon. In 1992, after the Velvet Revolution, Kubicek Balloons was founded as a private company with ten employees. By 1998, it had built its 100th balloon. To date, Kubicek companies have manufactured over 2,300 hot air balloons; 1,300 baskets; 2,750 burners; 20,000 inflatables; and eight airplanes.
Kubíček was honored by the Czech Balloon Association Hall of Fame in 2013. He received a Montgolfier Diplome in 2017 for his lifelong contributions to ballooning and was recognized earlier this year by the subcommittee for aviation and space program of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic for his extraordinary contributions.
