Celebrating Women in Ballooning
This International Women’s Month, Virgin Balloon Flights is highlighting a group of female pilots who are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“It's about inspiring other women and expanding the possibilities of what they can do” Sarah tells us.
Women currently make up just 10% of the company’s pilots, a clear reminder of the gender gap in commercial ballooning. Pilots like Sarah Cobley are inspiring change for the next generation. Currently flying in Italy, Sarah describes ballooning as “truly magical,” emphasising the serenity of drifting with the wind and the unique perspective it offers of the world below.
She also highlights the importance of representation and opening doors for more women in aviation. She said, “Being one of the very few women in commercial ballooning reminds me how important it is to represent women.”
Breaking Barriers
Since the start of Virgin Balloon Flights, women have represented just 7 of 72 commercial balloon pilots. Despite this, the three pilots we interviewed are breaking barriers, sharing their stories and inspiring others to enter the industry.
During the interviews, Sarah reflects on the significance of visibility: “If young women see someone doing what inspires them, it encourages them to believe they can do it too. It’s about expanding the possibilities for women”.
For pilot Rebecca Cains, visibility is equally important. With 30 years of ballooning experience, she mentions that female pilots bring valuable traits to the skies, such as patience and calm decision-making. “We need more women in ballooning. There’s no reason why women can’t do it. People should look for reasons to do it, not reasons not to.”
Lindsay Muir, another experienced pilot, adds that representation goes beyond borders. She recalls attending a ballooning conference in Saudi Arabia, where she witnessed women and men working together equally. “You have to get out there and show that we’re just as capable, it shows that women are just as capable of doing anything a man can do”.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sarah’s journey into ballooning began unexpectedly, crewing for local hot air balloon rides in Devon as a young adult. What started as a casual introduction soon grew into something more.
Now the only female pilot currently flying for Virgin Balloon Flights, Sarah is helping to change an industry where women remain underrepresented.
“I really never thought it would be possible for me to become a pilot,” she explains. “But after certain events in my life made me reassess, I realised that life is too short and fragile. So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and took the leap to train as a pilot. It was scary, but by far the best decision of my life.”
For aspiring female pilots, her advice was “don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Confidence often comes when you take the leap.” She hopes her journey will inspire more women to follow the same path and take to the skies.
The Magic of Flying
Ballooning offers a unique opportunity compared to other hobbies or careers. Rebecca says, “You can’t beat flying in the air and the freedom of it. It’s peaceful, tranquil, and utterly unique.” It's about taking life to new heights, escaping the noise of everyday life, and seeing the world from an entirely new perspective. Sarah said, “The quiet serenity, moving with the wind, feeling part of the landscape, it’s something I never tire of”.
Even the challenges of commercial ballooning, the long days, physical demands, and split-second decision-making, are outweighed by the joy it brings.
Lindsay highlights that adaptability, calmness, and confidence are key to success. Rebecca and Sarah both emphasise that passion and commitment are also essential to ballooning.
Moments That Stay With You
For all three pilots, the most memorable balloon flights are those shared with passengers. Sarah recalls a serene flight over Dartmoor that left a passenger calling it the “best experience of their life”.
Rebecca also mentioned a particularly special moment when she flew with a 96-year-old passenger. “He said it was the last thing on his bucket list after he called his wife”.
These stories highlight the joy and human connection that make ballooning more than just a career; it’s a gift shared with others, creating moments that feel truly special.
Encouraging More Women to Fly
As International Women’s Month draws to an end, the message from these pilots is clear: women belong in the skies. Whether in the UK or abroad, their journeys demonstrate courage, passion, and resilience.
By celebrating their achievements and increasing visibility, more women and girls are being inspired to see ballooning and aviation more broadly as an accessible and unique career path. Sarah commented, “It’s about showing that women can do this, and that anyone with passion and dedication can take to the skies”.
Although it is a long process and requires patience, the ballooning community is incredibly supportive and is helping guide the next generation.
