It seemed almost magically impossible to watch hot air balloon pilot Allie Dunnington from Bristol, U.K, float down to the lawns of Jerudong International School, Brunei. And yet the intrepid self-described adventurer did just that – making this her 118th country flown in a hot air balloon and the first person ever to fly a hot air balloon in Brunei Darussalam. Dunnington’s flight in Brunei was part of her journey to break the world record for the most countries flown in a hot air balloon; the global record of 127 countries previously held by an equally adventurous spirit — Dunnington’s husband. This flight also marked her the first person ever to fly a hot air balloon in Brunei Darussalam. Early in the morning, Allie prepared her hot air balloon on the JIS campus before ascending and gliding across the V Block field. The balloon’s flight, from one corner of the field to the side of Osprey Boarding House, market the first step in adding Brunei to her growing list of countries.
Reflecting on her experience in Brunei. Allie remarked, “Every step has been a highlight. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but perseverance pays off. No flight is ever the same, and the encounters you have when you land make it all worthwhile.” Months of preparation, logistical challenges and coordination culminated in her successful flight. She credited the support of Glamco Aviation (B) Sdn Bhd, the British High Commission and JIS for making the experience possible. Managing Director of Glamco Aviation (B) Sdn Bhd, Shran J. Singh, shared that “This was a chance to inspire Brunei’s youth to consider careers in aviation. Watching the students’ reactions to the balloon was incredibly rewarding”. The flight also highlighted Allie’s mission to encourage more women to take up ballooning and aviation. Reflecting on her nearly 20 years in the field, Allie pointed out that when she first started ballooning, she noticed a very few women in the field. “That’s why I set up events and opportunities like this to encourage more women to take part.”
