Kubicek Balloons Post-Coronavirus Solutions
After months of being in lockdown the UK and many parts of the world are starting to come out into this post-coronavirus world. While Ballooning is now allowed it is only flying either solo or with family members on board, there will soon be a time when passenger operations will be allowed to start again.
Kubicek Balloons have remained open during this lockdown and resources have been put into how to support ride operations as well as supporting local communities and health services.
These solutions have been based on 3 principles.
Safety from an Operational point of view
Safety from a Coronavirus point of view
Reassuring Passengers that their safety is taken into account
Below are the suggestions which have been tried and tested in operations which have either continued or have returned to flying in their part of the world. If you are interested in any of these solutions, require further information or have an idea which could help you or the ballooning community please email doug@kubicekballoons.net
Kubicek Clear Basket Wall Divider
The factory have developed a clear divider between partitions for use in Kubicek P, Y, T, DT & DTT baskets and other manufacturers equivalent baskets. The idea is to reduce the risk to the Pilot and Passengers as well as bringing assurance that steps are being taken to minimise the risk. Basket dividers can be made and tailored to any basket, the factory will just need measurements of the basket. Full details of the walls can be found in this service instruction.
From initially announcing through social media it has caused a mixed response from balloonists and this was possibly due to the visual and time of the announcement. However now these have now been tried and tested in the US including the largest operator Rainbow Ryders, Austria, Czech Republic, Brazil and Israel. Initial feedback from these areas seems to be good with no problems and has received a good, even appreciative response from customers booking or flying. The cost has been kept down as best as possible and is set by the size of the basket and can also be shipped quickly to assist in operations.
Kubicek Face Masks
Face masks are a real obvious way of minimising risk of people transmitting the virus between people if worn correctly. Since the virus appeared in the Czech Republic it has become mandatory for the Czech people to wear masks. At the start there was a shortfall and the Inflatable division of Kubicek moved some of its production to making masks to meet the shortfall in the country. Kubicek can now produce masks to support ballooning operations and have already supplied masks worldwide including supporting a UK care home in Bristol. Several operators have asked us to produce masks with branding or artwork on which we can also do.
Hand Sanitizing Wipes / Towels
Kubicek can also produce hand sanitizing wipes for passengers to use and disinfect their hands before or after flying. These one time usage items are not just handy to fight the effects of Coronavirus virus but also if your passengers have got dirty after landing. As with the masks we have been asked by some customers if these can be branded and can brand the packs these wipes come in if you feel this are required for your business.
