A group of Dutch engineers have presented a new attractions concept that combines a flying observation cabin with LED digital advertising billboards.

The Diamond Balloon is a triangular-shaped helium balloon with an attached glass platform for up to 64 people. The balloon would fly at heights of up to 300m, and features three large LED digital billboards, with a total screen surface of 2,700s qm.

During the 15 minute ‘flight’, visitors would be able to walk around the gondola and enjoy the sights; the balloon could also be equipped with floorless rotating seats, allowing for a rollercoaster-style thrill ride.

Advertising income from the LED billboards would generate the main ROI, with the platform providing a secondary revenue stream.

“Diamond Balloon offers a unique landmark that uses state of the art Digital Out-of-Home advertising, while creating a new spectacular tourism attraction,” said Diamond Balloon spokesperson Bart Groot.

“The revolutionary design and construction has been developed in cooperation with one of the global leading technical universities in aerodynamics (TU Delft, the Netherlands).

“Secured to the ground station by cables, the Diamond Balloon will be elevated to a height of 300m. The gondola will be hoisted at 175m, creating a thrilling visual experience that’s very different to anything else out there.