Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd is a fully licensed operator and approved by the CAASL (Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka) affiliated to Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and relevant ministries to operate Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sri Lanka.
As an investment of Uluer Group Companies, Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd (Sri Lanka Balloon) established in 2016 after years of research and Hot Air Ballooning experience in different countries for more than 18 years. Mahmut Sami Uluer (MD) also contributes greatly to diplomatic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries as an Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Cappadocia, Türkiye.
We own and operate 4 Hot Air Balloons, each carrying Sri Lanka Balloon design and designated entirely for passenger carrying use. We have the capacity to carry 56 passengers at the same time.
Our pilots, crew and office staff are fully qualified and highly experienced. All have many years of experience.
Uluer Group (as founder of 2 largest balloon companies in Türkiye and largest balloon company in Sri Lanka and the newest balloon company in Serengeti – Tanzania) setted a record by increasing the number of balloons in its fleet to 18 and the passenger capacity to over 300.
MEET THE TEAM
Our experienced Balloon Pilots will be very happy to take you an unforgettable journey over Sri Lanka. Our local reservation and operation officers also work hard to give you excellent service from beginning to end.
Lanka Ballooning international pilots hold Commercial Balloon Pilots License and validated by CAASL according to their experience and tested every year by the examiners of the Sri Lankan authorities. They have thousands of flight hours as professional commercial pilots.
Mahmut Sami Uluer
Managing Director | Commercial & Instructor Pilot | Attorney-at-Law
Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Cappadocia – Türkiye, Attorney-at-Law, Commercial & Instructor Balloon Pilot.
Graduated from Maltepe University (Istanbul), Faculty of Law.
After completing aviation courses in England, Spain, Russia and Turkey, became Private Pilot in 2007, Commercial Pilot in 2008 and Instructor Pilot in 2009. Worked as Examiner Pilot at Ministery of Transportation of Turkey, Directorate General of Civil Aviation. He has trained many pilots. Worked as Commercial Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Chief Pilot, Flight Operations Manager, Ground Operations Manager at the World’s Largerst Fleet (18 Balloons) and World’s Larget Passenger Capacity: 300 Passengers per day.
Became Honorary Consul of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 2013. He has valuable works in the development of commercial and cultural relations between the two countries. As a result, has made a significant contribution to the country’s tourism potential and employment by bringing professional ballooning to Sri Lanka.
Has 1000+ hours of flight experience with hot air balloons in 18+ years. Has been working for many years in ballooning and aviation. Flown with many different brands and models of balloons from 1 Person (Pilot Only/ Solo Balloon) up to 32 Passengers + 2 Pilots (World’s Largest Balloon) in many locations. Certified Maintenance Technician of Lindstrand Balloons(UK) and Ultramagic Balloons(Spain).
Scuba Diver, First Aid Expert.
Melih Topaç
Chief Pilot | Quality Manager
Commercial Balloon Pilot. Certified Technician. Ground Operations Specialist.
Graduated from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Department of Mechatronics and Computer Programming.
He has over 6 years of experience in the hot air balloon industry and more than 550 flight hours as a commercial pilot.
Throughout his career, he has flown in Türkiye (Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Soğanlı) and Sri Lanka, gaining extensive experience in diverse flying conditions and operational environments.
He has previously served in key positions such as Ground Operations Manager and Quality Manager, contributing to both flight and maintenance operations.
Licensed First Aid Expert certified by the Ministry of Health, RadioTelephone Operator and Safety Management System Specialist.
With a long-standing passion for aviation, Melih takes great pride in being part of the most captivating branch of aviation — hot air ballooning.
He aims to continue contributing to the industry for many years with dedication and professionalism.
He speaks English and Turkish fluently.
Mustafa Kırım
Instructor Pilot | Maintenance Manager
Commercial Balloon Pilot. Flight Instructor. Certified Balloon Technician.
He has over 1,500 flight hours and more than 10 years of professional experience in hot air ballooning.
He has flown various balloon models from Lindstrand, Ultramagic, Cameron, Kubicek, and Pasha.
He has served in managerial positions such as Flight Operations Manager, Ground Operations Manager, and Quality Manager, also contributing for years to the Cappadocia Balloon Maintenance Center.
Certified Maintenance Technician for Lindstrand, Ultramagic, and Cameron balloons.
Licensed RadioTelephon user and First Aid Expert certified by the Ministry of Health.
Instructor Pilot. He has trained many professional pilots and is known for his disciplined, safety-oriented, and passionate approach to aviation.
Holds degrees in Equine Coaching and Business Administration and a Master’s degree in his field.
He is also a licensed Paragliding Pilot, Equestrian Athlete and Automobile Racing Pilot with additional experience in industrial diving, yacht captaincy, and crane operation.
Alparslan Uluer
Pilot
Commercial Balloon Pilot. Flight Instructor. Microlight Pilot.
Graduted from Anadolu University, Economy Faculty.
He took an active role during the establishment of Uluer Group’s balloon companies in Turkey. He flew at Uluer Group Balloon Companies for many years and took charge in managerial positions such as Flight Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager.
Has 3000+ hours of flight experience with hot air balloons in 19+ years. Has been working for many years in ballooning and aviation. Flown with many different brands and models of balloons from 1 Person (Pilot Only/ Solo Balloon) up to 32 Passengers + 2 Pilots (World’s Largest Balloon) in many locations.
Certified Maintenance Technician of the balloons in our fleet Lindstrand Balloons, Ultramagic Balloons and Cameron Balloons. First Aid Expert licenced by Ministry of Health. Licensed RadioTelephon user. He is married and has 2 children.
Instructor Pilot. He trained many pilots in Turkey. He served as a Turkish Civil Aviation Authority Examiner Pilot. In addition to training flights, he performed the test flights of student pilots, license validation of foreign pilots and license renewal test flights as Turkish Civil Aviation Authority Examiner Pilot.
Scuba Diver, First Aid Expert, Lifeguard.
M. Ali Koçak
Pilot
Commercial Balloon Pilot, Flight Instructor.
Graduted from Anadolu University, Public Administration Department and at the same university, he continues with distance education Aviation Management department.
He flew at Uluer Group Balloon Companies for many years and the Quality Manager took charge in the managerial position.
Has 1100+ hours of flight experience with hot air balloons in 7+ years. Has been working for many years in ballooning and aviation.
He previously flew in Türkiye – Cappadocia, Tanzania – Serengeti and Sri Lanka.
Pilot M. Ali, who is also a travel agency and hotel owner, enjoys being a pilot.
He is also an international volleyball referee.
First Aid Expert licenced by Ministry of Health. Licensed RadioTelephone user.
Instructor Pilot.
He speaks English and Turkish
Aflal Faleel
General Manager
Aflal was born and raised in Sri Lanka. After completed the Bachelor Degree at Jamiah Naleemiah and along at University of Peradeniya, moved to Turkey and Reading Master’s Degree at Ankara University in Islamic History & Arts.
He had participated more than fifty conferences in different fields and As he’s a Researchist he had done more that twenty research articles. Also he’s a passionated designer, very talented cricketer, footballer, social media influencer and an aesthete as well.
As a young entrepreneur he held managerial position in commercial organisations in Dubai, UAE and Turkey. He took part in non governmental organisations and diplomacy forums.
Aflal manages online marketing and reservation in the best way by working in coordination with individual clients, travel agencies, hotels and tourist guides.
He speaks English, Sinhala, Tamil, Turkish and Arabic as well. He’s known social worker at Sri Lanka for his various kinds of work in different fields.
Hiras Jiffry
Operation Manager
Hiras was born and raised in Sri Lanka. After studying Computer Engineering at Antalya University, he graduated from London Metropolitan University – BSc (Hons) in Computing.
He worked as IT Assistant, Turkish Interpreter, Technical Officer (Building Construction Technology) in Sri Lanka.
Then, he started working for Lanka Ballooning.
Hiras has been working in coordination with customers, travel agencies, hotels and tourist guides to manage the operation program in the best way for years.
When you come to our take-off field for the flight, he will greet you and help you with the balloon boarding process.
He speaks English, Sinhala, Tamil, Turkish.
Chalani Hansika
Reservation and Sales Officer
Reservation and Guest Relations Officer. Hospitality Professional.
Born and raised in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Chalani Hansika has a strong background in hospitality and customer service, with over 4 years of professional experience in the hotel and tourism industry.
She began her career in the hospitality sector, gaining valuable experience in front office operations, guest relations, and customer service. She later joined Lanka Ballooning, where she plays a key role in reservations, guest communication, and customer relations, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for all clients and partners.
Chalani completed a Certificate Course in Professional Barista Skills and Café Management, and HACCP/ISO 22000 Food Safety Training, both conducted by the Colombo Bartender & Barista School (Pvt) Ltd.
Fluent in Sinhala and English, she is recognized for her professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences.
Nadun Rohan
Operations & Transport Coordinator
Nadun was born and raised in Sri Lanka. Studied at Tourism Management Departments. And he is the son of our Sales Excutive who passed away, Mr. Rohan Kumara.
He started working in the hospitality industry in Dambulla. Over time, his position rose and he started to operate by his own hotel in Dambulla.
Then, he started working for Lanka Ballooning.
Nadun has been working in coordination with customers and tourists to manage Ground Handling Operations and Transportation Services in our company for years.
He will greet you when you at the pick up location, and after arrive at our departure area for the flight and assist you in the process of boarding the balloon.
He speaks English and Sinhala.
LANKA BALLOONING FLEET
As Lanka Ballooning, we invest in the most luxurious, top-of-the-line balloons, sparing no expense to ensure the highest quality experience for our guests. Our commitment to excellence drives us to operate with the best world-class balloons in Sri Lanka skies. We work with two of the world’s most prestigious balloon manufacturers: Lindstrand Balloons in the UK and Ultramagic Balloons from Spain. Our baskets are designed for VIP use and all of our balloons incorporate the latest design and safety features.
# 1
Registration: 4R-BTL
Own and Operate by: Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd
Passenger Capacity: 16+1
Manufacturer: Ultramagic
Production Place: Spain
# 2
Registration: 4R-SLB
Own and Operate by: Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd
Passenger Capacity: 16+1
Manufacturer: Ultramagic
Production Place: Spain
# 3
Registration: 4R-ULR
Own and Operate by: Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd
Passenger Capacity: 16+1
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
Production Place: UK
# 4
Registration: 4R-BLN
Own and Operate by: Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd
Passenger Capacity: 10+1
Manufacturer: Lindstrand
Production Place: UK
PICK-UP VEHICLES
Our ground transportation vehicles are in current and full compliance with the Department of Motor Traffic. All are purchased brand new and includes A/C which are driven by friendly staff.
OUR LICENSES
Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd is a fully licensed operator and approved by the CAASL (Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka) affiliated to Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and relevant ministries to operate Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sri Lanka.
Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd is fully approved and licensed Hot Air Ballooning project. Authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka with Air Operator Certificate.
All Sri Lanka Balloon Rides are conducted with permission from the CAASL and other local authorities.
Our pilots are fully qualified and highly experienced, and they are from Turkey. All have many years of experience.
They hold International Commcerial Balloon Pilot License and Validation Certificates issued by the CAASL to operate Commercial Balloon Flights in Sri Lanka.
Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd is fully insured by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.
Passenger Personal Accident Insurance Policies are inspected and approved by CAASL according to the Approval to Carry out Commercial Hot Air Balloon Operations in Sri Lanka.