World's First Glass-bottomed Air Balloon By Christian Brown

"We've done tethered trials before, which usually end with passengers shrieking and screaming in fear, but this is the first time we've actually taken to the skies unaided," said Mr Brown, 44. "It was a terrifying experience. Ordinarily, you would look over the edge of the basket to peer at the ground below but there is something very disconcerting about seeing it right beneath your feet. It certainly isn't for the feint-hearted, but this is a totally unique experience and we have added a new dimension to ballooning.
He travelled the world in a balloon with tycoon Richard Branson and currently holds the tethered altitude world record after flying at 10,000ft on a mountain in Chile. "We designed it for Alpine flying as it would give incredible views of the scenery below. We also hope to use it to break the altitude world record and fly at over 10,000ft, which will be incredible. We're in the very early stages at the minute and are getting feedback from passengers but hope to roll them out to the public next year."