Tugrul Guclu is one of Royal Balloon’s local pilots and among the most experienced pilots in the region. He started his ballooning career as a ground crew member and has worked in all operational roles, including driving, ground crew leadership, and field operations, giving him a strong end-to-end understanding of ballooning. He has taken on responsibilities as chief pilot and ground operations manager, contributing directly to the safe and efficient execution of flights. Tugrul holds maintenance and technical qualifications for Cameron, Ultra Magic, Lindstrand, and Kubicek balloons. In addition to flying in Türkiye, he is an international pilot with flight experience abroad, allowing him to adapt confidently to different airspaces and conditions. Outside aviation, he is a skilled cook and a committed animal rights advocate who cares for many animals at his small farm.

With over 20 years of experience in tourism, Tolga Eke is a hot air balloon pilot who has flown above Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscapes and unique destinations such as Wadi Rum in Jordan. He began his career with the Dinler Group, where his passion for aviation emerged, leading him to earn his pilot’s license. Holding degrees in Banking, Business Management, and Tourist Guidance from three different universities, Tolga has served as a Flight Instructor at Cappadocia University, training the next generation of pilots. Today, he is the Flight Operations Manager at Royal Balloon – Cappadocia and a licensed professional tour guide, sharing the region’s hidden stories and cultural heritage. Beyond aviation, he is active in digital media and internet technologies, inspiring travelers worldwide through his blog and social channels.

Burak Has spent time in the United States to improve his English and later graduated from the Civil Aviation and Transportation Management program at Cappadocia University. His academic background supports a structured and analytical approach to aviation operations. He has a strong interest in various sports, with a particular focus on archery, where he holds a national record. This achievement reflects his discipline, focus, and consistency, qualities that also shape his professional mindset.

Kaan Demircan is one of the experienced pilots who has been flying in Cappadocia since 2010. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spent some time working in the banking sector before leaving it behind to pursue his passion for ballooning in the blue skies of Cappadocia. A native of Goreme, Kaan has an in-depth knowledge of the region and is dedicated to providing safe, enjoyable, and memorable balloon flight experiences for his passengers. He has accumulated over 1,000 flight hours and has gained international flight experience by flying in various countries. Alongside ballooning, he has been actively involved in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years. Outside of flying, Kaan enjoys mountain biking and hiking, and it is quite possible to encounter him exploring the valleys of Cappadocia during the day.

Student at Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University Tourism and Travel Faculty. Has Emergency Procedures Training Certificate and Meteorology Training Certificate from Cappadocia Vocational College. First Aid Expert licenced by Ministry of Health. ISO 9002-2008 authorized quality inspector. Certified Maintenance Technician of the balloons in Lindstrand Balloons, Ultramagic Balloons. Has been working for 9 years in ballooning and aviation. Has 1000 hours of flight experience with hot air balloons. Flown with many different brands and models. Flown in various parts of the world and Turkey.

Double major graduate from Anadolu University Business Administration and Nevsehir University Tourism and Travel Agency. Currently getting an MBA on Ecomomics. He is certified for the maintenance of Lindstrand Balloons. 1000 hours with a hot air balloon and counting. Kemal has a passion for flight ever since he saw balloons from his office window in a fancy cave hotel where he worked as night shift manager. Great communication skills and attention to detail make him one of the best pilots in Cappadocia.

Our pilot is a graduate of Başkent University with a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and he is currently pursuing his master’s degree in General and Strategic Management at St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University. In his professional career, he has worked in manufacturing management and organization, automation expertise, and occupational health and safety. Being curious about every aspect of aviation since childhood, our pilot has successfully completed various simulator and DLR exams. Due to his love for Cappadocia, he settled in the region in 2016 and served as an occupational health and safety specialist in aviation activities. He also obtained his pilot license and joined the Royal Balloon family. In addition to flying, he is involved in our company’s operational activities. Our pilot, who resides in the tranquil beauty of Cemil Village in Kapadokya, is also a licensed ice hockey player. He speaks fluent in English and Russian. He has an abundance of cats and dogs, and his hobbies include e-sports, digital technologies, and long walks.

He has grown up in Göreme as a talented and young hot air balloon pilot, and continues his life in this unique geography. Kemal, originally from Akrasay-Ihlara, has successfully graduated from Nevşehir Özel Altınyıldız High School and is currently studying tourist guiding at Kapadokya University. After completing high school, Kemal decided to pursue a career as a hot air balloon pilot and obtained his pilot license in 2019 following pilot training. Our pilot, who also has experience in Pamukkale flight area, has been practicing this exciting profession in the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia for some time. Off-roading with his friends is a real delight for him. Kemal not only takes great joy in being a passionate pilot, but also in witnessing the beauty of nature and creating memories with his friends.

Görkem Kıyga is an experienced balloon pilot who has grown up with the winds of Cappadocia and turned the sky into a lifelong craft. A graduate of Ürgüp Tesan Science High School, Görkem has been flying with dedication since 2019—refining his discipline with every takeoff and deepening his mastery with every landing. His flights have carried him from the bright white terraces of Pamukkale to the fairy chimneys of Göreme, and through the quiet, hidden contours of Soğanlı—across some of Türkiye’s most iconic ballooning landscapes. He has also strengthened this field experience with international flights in Jordan, expanding his perspective beyond borders. Born and raised in Ürgüp, where he still lives, Görkem enjoys swimming and playing football in his free time. For him, each flight is more than a route—it is a new horizon, a renewed responsibility, and a story written gently across the morning sky.