İstanbul Balloons

Mert Dizbay

Pilot |

İsmail Mert Dizbay has established a strong position in the world of hot air ballooning as a passionate Pilot and Co-Pilot. His interest in aviation began at a young age and gradually evolved into a professional career through dedicated training and hands-on operational experience. With nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, İsmail started his career as a Ground Crew Member, gaining comprehensive knowledge of balloon operations from the field. He later advanced to the role of Team Leader, taking responsibility for operational coordination, safety planning, and team management — building a solid technical and leadership foundation. Over time, he progressed to serving as a Co-Pilot and later as a Pilot, consistently prioritizing flight safety and passenger satisfaction. He actively contributes to flight planning, weather monitoring, navigation, and landing organization to ensure each operation is conducted safely and efficiently. For İsmail, ballooning is not just a profession — it is a lifestyle that requires understanding nature, wind, and the sky. In every flight, he combines safety with passion, aiming to provide passengers with a truly unforgettable experience. His journey from ground operations to pilot represents a success story shaped by professionalism, dedication, and continuous improvement.

İbrahim Özbek

Co-Pilot |

With 4 years of aviation and flight operations experience, İbrahim Özbek actively takes part in field organization and the planning processes of flight operations. Through his experience in operational discipline, time management, and team coordination, he contributes to the safe and orderly execution of flights. As a Co-Pilot, he prioritizes meticulous preparation, thorough checks, and the careful management of field operations. He firmly believes that every successful operation is built upon strong planning and effective teamwork. For him, the bond with the sky is not merely a duty, but a professional responsibility driven by passion. With a mindset focused on continuous improvement, he aims to advance safe and efficient operational standards. His ultimate goal is to maintain operational excellence and flight safety at the highest level at all times.

Ahmet Özbek

Yardımcı Pilot |

Ahmet Özbek has been actively involved in aviation operations for nearly 10 years. Having served as an Operations Supervisor for many years, he has gained extensive experience in flight planning, field organization, and team coordination. Through continuous professional development, he earned the title of Co-Pilot and has been actively flying in this role for the past 4 years. By combining his strong operational background with in-flight experience, he ensures seamless coordination between ground operations and cockpit discipline. He believes that every successful flight is built upon detailed planning, structured preparation, and strong teamwork. Safety and operational efficiency remain at the core of his professional approach. Goal; To integrate his operational expertise into flight operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, consistency, and operational excellence.

Murat Ünsalan

Co-Pilot |

Aviation has always held a special place in Murat Ünsalan’s life, and he has successfully transformed this passion into a professional career. He has been actively working in the hot air balloon industry for 15 years, beginning his journey as a ground crew member where he gained hands-on operational experience. Through his work on the ground, Murat developed a comprehensive understanding of every stage of balloon operations — from preparation and inflation to landing coordination. This experience allowed him to deeply appreciate the importance of teamwork, coordination, and discipline in ensuring flight safety. For the past five years, he has been serving as a Co-Pilot, actively participating in the balloon’s journey through the sky. In this role, he supports flight safety, assists in piloting operations, and contributes to the efficient management of each flight. For Murat, every flight represents a unique combination of nature’s beauty and aviation’s structured discipline. His goal is to continue developing his piloting skills while working alongside his dedicated ground team colleagues to deliver safe, professional, and enjoyable flights.

Süleyman Kartaşmış

Co-Pilot |

Süleyman Kartaşmış dedicated over 10 years to ground operations before advancing his career through continuous professional development and earning his qualification as a Co-Pilot. His extensive field experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of operational structure, preparation standards, and team coordination — a foundation he seamlessly integrates into flight operations. For the past 3 years, he has been actively serving as a Co-Pilot, combining operational discipline with in-flight precision. He firmly believes that every successful flight is the result of meticulous planning, structured preparation, and strong crew synergy. Safety, consistency, and professionalism remain at the core of his aviation philosophy. Outside of aviation, Süleyman has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys fishing. He is devoted to his daughter, Aysima, and his family, who serve as his greatest source of motivation and inspiration. Professional Objective; To continuously elevate operational and flight standards while upholding the highest level of safety and discipline.