10th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019 takes off on a high note.
PUTRAJAYA: Cloudy weather failed to hamper the launch of the 10th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019 at Presint 2.
Since ideal weather is important for a safe balloon flight, the pilots had to wait until the weather improved to get the clearance at about 8am yesterday.
A total of 20 balloons took flight. Among the specially shaped ones this time around were Robot Woozi, Pink Gnome, Bruno the Clown, Pink Elephant, Tako the Octopus, Happy Chan and Black Bear.
International participants included balloonists from Spain, Slovakia, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Belgium, United States, United Kingdom, South Korea and Taiwan.
The organiser, AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Atiqah Khairudin, said the first balloon took off at 8.10am.
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh and Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim were present to launch the event.
Aminuddin also got into one of the balloons for a panoramic view of the city.
He said it was his first time flying in a hot air balloon and was thrilled with the experience.
“Most people are only used to flying in a closed environment like a helicopter or an aeroplane.
“It is a different kind of feeling to fly in the basket over the trees, buildings and lake, as well as among other balloons.
“I am proud that such an event is taking place here to give a chance for the locals to see and experience hot air balloon festivals themselves, instead of just reading about such festivals in other countries,” he added.