What is the applicable regulatory framework for tourist flights with balloons?

Until the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2018/395 last year 2019, in order to carry out tourist flights with balloons it was necessary for the operator (company) to have an authorisation as an airwork company issued on the basis of the provisions of Law 48/1960 of 21 July.

Since the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2018/395 last April 2019, tourist flights are referred to as Commercial Passenger Balloon Flights or CPB, which are defined as a form of commercial air transport with balloons where passengers are transported for the purpose of tourism or flight experience in exchange for remuneration or other financial consideration.

Strictly speaking, this is not an activity of air work but a type of commercial air transport. The reality is that both airwork and commercial air transport operations are commercial operations, i.e. the conduct of an advertising flight with a balloon or the transport of passengers are commercial operations.

As regards the rating or authorisation regime, CPB requires the operator to submit a declaration of compliance (BOP.ADD.100) confirming that it is aware of and complies with the applicable standard and provides information on the operator and aircraft to be used.