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Up, up, and away - coming to Bermuda soon?

A Bermuda tour operator is hoping to show visitors a different view of Dockyard from hundreds of feet in the air.Michael Heslop, owner of Fantasea Bermuda, has sought planning permission to install an AeroBalloon attraction in Dockyard near the Clocktower Mall.Using a helium balloon tethered to the ground, as many as five customers and a tour operator could be lifted hundreds of feet into the air in a wicker gondola. There, customers have the opportunity to take in spectacular views of the entire Island.It’s not yet known exactly how the operation would work in Bermuda but the AeroBalloon is designed to reach an altitude of 350ft and operate in winds as high as 25mph.The balloon could remain tethered in place in the event of higher winds, but would have to be deflated and repackaged should the winds exceed 60mph.Visitors would be brought slowly back to Earth after spending a few minutes in the air using an electric wench. A non-electric system is also in place should there be a power outage.In his application to the Development Applications Board, Mr Heslop hopes to have the attraction up and running on a temporary basis next month.He wrote: “We are of the view that it will be well received by visiting tourists and locals alike as a relatively affordable form of entertainment.“At this height, passengers are able to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Bermuda islands as well as the cruise ships and other sites in spectacular Dockyard.”