The team

Gaël made his first hot-air balloon flight at the age of 4. His passion for hot-air ballooning never left him! At the age of 17, he obtained his pilot’s license and became a professional pilot in 1994. Director and co-founder of BALLONS du LEMAN with Fabien. Gaël has logged over 1,700 hours in hot-air balloons, and has also flown 16,000 hours in airliners.

Daughter of pilots, 2nd best female pilot in the world, member of the French team, Laure has been immersed in the world of aerostation from an early age. Awarded her licence at the age of 18, Laure has since flown on several continents and worked for various operators in France and Austria. A seasoned project manager thanks to her professional experience in the field of healthcare and disability, Laure puts her skills to good use in the company’s development.

Paul-Henry, a.k.a. Polo, comes from a family with a passion for aviation. His father was also a pilot and passed on the virus to him. An instructor pilot, he took part in his first Gordon Bennett gas balloon race in 2021. Polo also flies airships and eco-balloons.

Born when hot-air balloons first appeared in Lithuania, balloons are an integral part of Laurynas’ life. A pilot from the age of 16, he has flown over many countries and continents. He is also an instructor, examiner, technician, national champion and European vice-champion. This enthusiast will make you live exceptional moments!

Passionate about everything that flies, Hugo has worked in many professional fields and has solid experience in logistics, transport and outdoor activities.
Responsible for the chase crew and vehicle maintenance, he is a team player and will always be available for a flight!

Célia discovered the world of ballooning in 2022, and since then her passion has never left her. She has evolved within the company, holding a variety of positions: ground crew, administrative assistant, and many others. Today, as Head of Operations, she is committed to delivering the best possible customer experience.

Copilot in the admin team, Mélina is always there to help with a smile!
Sometimes you’ll find her onboard too, serving fondue or something to drink.

Fabien discovered hot-air ballooning during his engineering studies in 1999. He soon caught the ballooning bug. He takes part in a number of competitions, and in 2006 won 3rd place in the Swiss hot-air balloon championships. He has accumulated several hundred hours of mountain flying experience. A Ballons du Léman initiator with Gaël, he currently flies from time to time in his spare time.

Emily has been through it all and can put her innumerable skills to good use wherever they’re needed.

After several years of racing as a crew member, Olivier took the plunge and passed his pilot’s license. He takes pleasure in helping you discover why he’s taken the plunge! He also uses his knowledge of IT to improve your entire customer experience.

A formidable team on the ground, made up mainly of students from EPFL or EHL, but also of young employees, who put all their skills and know-how to work to ensure that you have a pleasant and memorable time in our company. We have around forty crew members to ensure your complete satisfaction.