Renishaw partners with Exclusive Ballooning to launch new accessible hot air balloon

Renishaw has worked with Exclusive Ballooning, a UK company based in Gloucestershire, known for its strong community values, to sponsor an accessible balloon aligned perfectly with Renishaw's ethos of diversity and inclusion.

Renishaw has been working with Exclusive Ballooning since 2012. That year, the first Renishaw balloon, G-RENI, was launched from Gloucester Rugby's Kingsholm Stadium, marking the first balloon launch from the stadium in over a century. Over the years, G-RENI became a familiar sight across the UK, flying in major ballooning events and even participated in a daring flight across the English Channel.

As G-RENI reached retirement, Renishaw and Exclusive Ballooning collaborated on a successor - G-MEAS, an aircraft registration number with a nod to Renishaw's expertise in measurement technology. Unlike standard hot air balloon baskets, which require passengers to climb over the edge of a 3-4 ft high basket to enter, the design for G-MEAS allows those with mobility issues to board safely and comfortably. G-MEAS features a specially designed basket with a dedicated wheelchair-accessible compartment, making it one of the very few balloons in the world to offer this and the only one in the UK.

G-MEAS was built in Gloucestershire, just a few miles from Renishaw's New Mills headquarters, by Diamond Hot Air Balloons; the new manufacturing arm of Exclusive Ballooning. Diamond Balloons is the first UK certified aircraft manufacturer since Brexit, with G-MEAS being one of its first balloons to take to the skies.

"This partnership reflects our dedication to community support and inclusivity, ensuring that more people can enjoy the unique experience of floating above the countryside," said Chris Pockett, Head of Communications at Renishaw. "We are excited to see G-MEAS take to the skies, continuing our aim to break down barriers and provide opportunities for all."

Andrew Holly, Operations Director at Exclusive Ballooning, said: "We have always loved working with Renishaw and share in their passion for inclusivity. We were so grateful for their support when we began our journey into manufacturing and it is fantastic to see G-MEAS in the air. We look forward to continuing to make the skies accessible for everyone, with our specially adapted basket."

Certified by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority last year, G-MEAS was officially launched on 1st May 2025 from Renishaw's New Mills headquarters near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. It will appear at events across the UK during the year, offering accessible flights, ensuring that everyone can take part in the joy of ballooning.