I’ve always been a fan of April Fool’s Day and every year I like to scour the internet to see which company did what.
Of course, April Fool’s jokes are just that…jokes. No one ever expects them to be a real thing. So who woulda thunk that when Eurowings’ announced their “news” last April 1st, that, just a few months later, it was something that would really happen!
Founded in 1996, Eurowings is, of course,
On April Fool’s Day of 2024, Eurowings offered a press release entitled:
The press release explained how the airline would expand its range by offering hot air balloon rides on its popular route from Düsseldorf to Palma de Mallorca.
They continued that the route was so popular that they needed more planes. But, “As further aircraft are not available from Airbus or Boeing at such short notice, Eurowings decided to expand the so-called “Palma Shuttle” – also to put more pressure on the two major aircraft manufacturers. With this step, the Lufthansa Group airline can also meet the rapidly growing demand for extraordinary travel experiences. The new service makes it possible for passengers to experience the picturesque landscape on the way to Mallorca from a completely new perspective.”
After some quotes from Lars Redeligx, CEO of Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH, Eurowings explained that they had ordered 5 hot air balloons, with options to purchase 10 more.
“The vehicles not only have powerful burners, but also two newly designed engines – specially developed for Eurowings – which can significantly speed up journeys with the colorful giants on long-haul routes. Initial test flights with the “Burgundy Dreams” balloons have shown that the journey can be completed in six to eight hours, depending on weather conditions. The balloon baskets are expertly hand-woven and can comfortably accommodate up to twelve passengers – pilot’s bar included.
“All necessary permits and licenses for the expansion of business operations have already been obtained. As with conventional Eurowings aircraft, regular inspections and maintenance are also carried out on the balloons to ensure that they are in perfect condition at all times.”
They even had a schedule of hot air balloon flights ready, and reservations would be available as of April 24th of that year (they said prices started at 599 euros for a one-way flight).
The end of the press release explained that it was all just an April Fool’s joke.
But then…
Typically, that would be the end of a well done April Fool’s joke. But Eurowings had other plans.
On June 20, 2024, Eurowings came out with another press release:
An April Fool’s joke learns to fly
Burgundy Dream, apparently, had become a reality.
According to the airline the response to the joke on April 1st had been so great that balloon pilots applied to Eurowings by the dozen and numerous interested parties asked when the Mallorca flights in the burgundy balloon would actually start. “In view of the euphoria, Germany’s No. 1 vacation airline remembered its favourite role as a dream fulfiller – and had the unusual flying object produced.”
The M160 hot air balloon is operated by Mallorca Balloons, who have been active on the Balearic island for 37 years. It takes off from the Manacor balloon port in the center of the island. The balloon has a capacity of more than 4,500 cubic meters and is eight floors or more than 22 meters high. The basket under the balloon can accommodate four to five passengers.
“Experience Eurowings like in a convertible – passengers can enjoy this feeling in the open basket under the balloon,” explains Ricardo Aracil, head of Mallorca Balloons, jokingly. “Ballooning is the epitome of relaxed travel.”
The new tourist attraction is available all year round and tours can be booked via the mallorcaballoons.com website. A standard hot air balloon ride costs from 195 euros, and an exclusive flight for 5 passengers is 1150 euros.
They even have a video of the Eurowings balloon:
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As April Fool’s jokes that turned out to be not so much of a joke, I think this is the best one so far!
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