Benalla, Victoria, Australia – April 2026
Global Ballooning Australia is proud to celebrate a remarkable result at the Australian National Ballooning Championships, with brothers Eddie Saunders and Pato Saunders both securing podium finishes. Eddie claimed 1st place, taking out the national title for the second year running, while Pato secured an impressive 3rd place against a highly competitive field.
Competing against 25 of Australia’s top pilots across 14 challenging tasks, Eddie Saunders delivered a standout performance to defend his title, reinforcing his position as one of the country’s leading balloon pilots. Full results can be viewed here.
In an exceptional achievement for the organisation, Global Ballooning Melbourne pilots swept the entire podium:
- 1st Place: Eddie Saunders
- 2nd Place: Matt Scaife
- 3rd Place: Pato Saunders
The result highlights the depth of talent within the Global Ballooning team and the strength of Melbourne’s ballooning community on the national stage.
The Championships formed part of the Art of Flight Festival, a new aviation event that transformed the skies of Northeast Victoria with five days of competitive flying and more than 25 balloons. Inspired by leading balloon festivals worldwide, the event showcased precision flying over Benalla and surrounding townships in changing wind conditions.
As a result, the Global Ballooning team has qualified to represent Australia at the Ballooning World Championships in Poland this September, marking a significant international milestone.
Global Ballooning Australia continues to deliver world-class ballooning experiences across Victoria while training and developing elite pilots within the industry.
Looking ahead, the Art of Flight Festival will next be held in Mildura from 4–12 July 2026, further strengthening Victoria’s position as a premier global ballooning destination.
Ahead of the festival, Global Ballooning Australia will also operate commercial balloon flights in Mildura beginning 27th June 2026, offering sunrise flights over the Murray River region up until the end of the festival.
Bookings and further information are available here: https://www.globalballooning.com.au/mildura/
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kate Esposto | General Manager, Global Ballooning
+61 405 251 040 | [email protected]
About Global Ballooning Australia
For over 30 years, Global Ballooning has stood at the forefront of the industry as Australia’s #1 hot air balloon company and the nation’s only fourth-generation aviation family. With a rich history spanning more than three decades, over 150,000 passengers have experienced awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable journeys across Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Mansfield, and now Mildura.
Renowned for safety, innovation, and exploration, the company is led by internationally recognised pilots who compete and fly at festivals worldwide. Their achievements include Eddie Saunders winning first place at the 2025 Saga Ballooning Festival in Japan, competing against 69 international pilots.
From sunrise flights to major festival events, Global Ballooning delivers unforgettable experiences and a unique perspective of Victoria’s landscapes.
