Kubicek Balloons
| Company type | Limited liability company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Aleš Kubíček |
| Headquarters | Brno , Czech Republic |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Aleš Kubíček (founder) |
| Products | Hot-air balloons, inflatables, airships, fixed-wing airplanes (Kubicek M-2 Scout, Kubicek M-4 Irbis) |
Number of employees | 139 (2022) |
| Website | www |
Kubíček Factory s.r.o. is a limited liability company founded through the consolidation of several businesses in 2022, including Kubíček Balloons (known in Czech as Balóny Kubíček, pronounced Koo-bee-check). This Czech-based manufacturer specializes in producing hot-air balloons, inflatables, and airships, standing as the only producer of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe and ranking among the largest globally. Operating from their manufacturing facility in Brno, the company distributes its products internationally.
History
The original entity, BALÓNY KUBÍČEK spol. s r.o., was established in 1989 by Aleš Kubíček, who designed the first modern Czech hot-air balloon in 1983 at the Aviatik club in Brno. Prior to launching his own firm, Kubíček developed multiple balloons under the auspices of the company Aerotechnik based in Kunovice. Following the political changes of the Velvet Revolution, he initiated a private enterprise focused on manufacturing lighter-than-air aircraft.
Current Status
As of 1 January 2022, the company officially adopted the name Kubíček Factory, transitioning from its former designation Kubíček Balloons. The firm operates as a limited company. Its initial headquarters were located at Francouzská 81 in central Brno, where balloon production originally took place for many years. However, in 2005, manufacturing was relocated to a newly constructed facility at Jarní 2a in Brno-Maloměřice, which is recognized as one of the most advanced balloon factories worldwide. The workforce numbered 139 employees as of 31 December 2022. During that year, Kubíček Factory produced 180 balloons, positioning it as the third-largest hot air balloon manufacturer globally.
In addition to manufacturing standard balloon envelopes available in 47 different types and sizes, the company also fabricates baskets and burners. They produce a variety of uniquely shaped manned balloons designed for advertising purposes, including a 38-meter-tall flying bear, a DHL sea container replica, the Abbey of Saint Gall, and the green heart symbol representing Styria.
Kubíček Balloons holds European quality certifications for design, production, and maintenance aligned with standards set by the EASA. It was among the pioneering hot-air balloon manufacturers to receive a European type certificate for their balloons.
Uniquely among European producers, Kubíček utilizes high-tenacity polyester fabric for their balloon envelopes—a material produced entirely in-house at their facility located in Černá Hora, near Brno.
Pilot instruction services are offered through Balónový zámek, situated in the chateau at Radešín.
Large inflatable installations
Under the brand Kubicek Visionair, the company has developed sizable inflatable creations for diverse uses, serving artists, corporations, and organizations globally. Their portfolio includes inflatable representations of the Moon as well as other substantial inflatable constructions designed for events and various practical applications.
Fixed-wing airplanes
Operating under the name Kubicek Aircraft, the firm manufactures the Kubicek M-2 Scout, which qualifies as both an ultralight and a light-sport aircraft.
The all-metal Kubicek M-4 Irbis, a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine plane, had its maiden flight in 2015.
References
External links
