At Yorkshire Balloon Flights, we’ve grown from humble beginnings into one of the most loved hot air balloon experiences in the UK, but our heart has always stayed the same. What started decades ago in the 1980s as Balloon Rides, founded by the late Tom Donnelly, laid the foundation for something truly special: a Yorkshire-based business built on passion, community and unforgettable moments in the sky.
For more than 17 years, Ollie has been part of this journey, starting out as crew before taking the reins and bringing his own vision to life. Today, as Owner and Chief Pilot, he continues Tom’s legacy with decades of flying experience both in the UK and abroad. Together with Kim and the rest of our dedicated team, we share one simple mission: to give people memories that last a lifetime.
Every flight we fly is guided by passion as much as professionalism. From the moment you meet our friendly crew on the ground, to the serenity of drifting quietly over York’s ancient cityscape and the rolling Yorkshire countryside, we aim to create an experience that’s personal, joyful and breathtaking. Whether it’s a special gift, a once in a lifetime adventure, or simply something you’ve always wanted to do, we’d love to make your story part of ours.
Ollie is the heart and soul of Yorkshire Balloon Flights, combining decades of flying experience with a genuine love for hot air ballooning. From his early days as crew to becoming Owner and Chief Pilot, Ollie has dedicated his life to creating safe, unforgettable experiences for every passenger. Passionate about sharing the beauty of Yorkshire from the sky, he ensures each flight is smooth, professional, and full of those magical moments that make ballooning so special. Whether navigating the winds or telling stories of the landscape below, Ollie’s expertise and enthusiasm set the standard for every adventure.
Kim is the Co-Owner of Yorkshire Balloon Flights. The friendly voice and organisational force behind Yorkshire Balloon Flights, ensuring everything runs smoothly long before you arrive at the launch field. From managing bookings and answering questions to supporting the wider team behind the scenes, Kim is dedicated to making every customer’s journey effortless and enjoyable. With a genuine passion for great service and a deep understanding of the ballooning experience, she helps set the tone for the adventure. So, when your flight day arrives, you can simply relax and enjoy the magic.
Ribs is one of our main ground crew members, bringing energy, passion and a love of ballooning to every flight. An expert with our Land Rovers, he makes retrieving balloons and passengers look effortless. From setting up the balloon to helping passengers feel at ease, Ribs can turn his hand to any task, making him an invaluable part of our team. His passion for both flying and adventure shines through in everything he does, ensuring every flight runs smoothly from start to finish.
Chris is another of our main ground crew members and a genuinely top bloke. With a background as an army officer, he brings exceptional competence, calm under pressure, and a can-do attitude to every flight. Whether handling the balloon, driving our Land Rovers or welcoming passengers, Chris does it all with professionalism and a warm, approachable manner. His skill, dedication and easygoing personality make him an invaluable part of the Yorkshire Balloon Flights family.
John is a Yorkshire farmer and experienced hot air balloon inspector, he also taught Ollie to fly and continues to ensure all our balloons are safe, reliable and ready for the sky. His deep knowledge of ballooning, combined with his practical, hands-on skills, makes him invaluable to the team. Quietly working behind the scenes, John’s expertise and dedication mean all our equipment is safe and ready for flight, giving our passengers peace of mind from lift-off to landing.
Mike is our occasional ground crew member, but his passion for flight is always in the air. A former full time crew member, he’s now focusing on learning to fly balloons himself, alongside his experience as a glider and microlight pilot. With a genuine love of aviation and adventure, Mike brings enthusiasm, skill and a deep understanding of ballooning to every flight he helps with, making him a valued part of our team whenever he’s on the ground.
