Cameron Balloons' new New Zealand representative

‘We are thrilled that such an experienced and well-known pilot in New Zealand, has joined the Cameron Balloons International Network of Representatives.’ Nick Purvis, Cameron Balloons Sales Director explains. ‘Andre visited the factory and was introduced to the staff here, earlier in the year but as he has always flown and is familiar with our equipment it was a great opportunity to start talking about different ideas and future plans.

Andre explains, ‘I am very honoured to become a part of the Cameron Balloons team. Aviation is something I am totally passionate about, not only am I, a commercial hot-air balloon pilot in my spare time, for the main bulk of my work I am a long-distance, 777 pilot. I have also recently completed my NZCAA Flight Examiner rating which will support new balloonists all over New Zealand.’

Andre usually flies a Cameron Balloons Concept-90 (and some of the balloons he has flown have even featured on television as part of national advertising campaigns) Andre has pilot-experience in one-man hoppers right through to much larger passenger-rides balloons. He often flies friends and family as well as spending time flying and training the up-an-coming group of enthusiastic balloonists. Andre has been around hot air balloons since his father, Chris Bransgrove who was trained by Andy Nicholson, bought his first balloon in 1984 the year Andre was born… since then, ballooning has been very much part of family life.

Andre is taking over from Andy Nicholson, Andy who, many balloonists will know well, still remains involved in ballooning but has decided he is ready for Andre to now ‘take the reins’.

Andre also works alongside his sponsor Re/max and assists with charity projects, usually as a volunteer for Camp Quality; they provide respite camps for children with cancer - creating a fun-filled, safe-environment using high quality recreational experiences which enables children with cancer ‘just to be kids!’

Andre explains ‘I love the contrast of lighter-than-air and fixed-wing flight… but more importantly, it is the getting in the air, that is just awesome.’

We would also like to take this opportunity not only to formally welcome Andre to Cameron Balloons but to sincerely thank Andy Nicholson for all his hard work over the years and we look forward to working with them both for many years to come.