Raven Aerostar quits hot-air balloon business

Aerostar International, a subsidiary of Sioux Falls-based Raven Industries, is getting out of the hot-air balloon market.

A gradual decline in popularity of the recreational activity and rising liability insurance costs have made the hot-air balloon business unprofitable, Mark West, Aerostar’s president and chief engineer, said.

Aerostar, which Raven spun off in 1986, manufactures high-altitude research balloons, military parachutes, blimps, protective wear and advertising inflatables used in parades. The company will continue with its other lines.

The Chief has had the privilige of serving in the Sioux Falls Naval Reserve with Aerostar Pres. West as his Commanding Officer. West is an Annapolis grad, and later was a carrier pilot. IMHO he exemplified the very best that a Naval Officer could be.

The Chief recalls that he was an enthusiast for hot-air ballooning, but in the end apparently, business is ultimately business.