FAQ’s

Q. What are the benefits of using a lighting balloon over conventional lighting? Are they environmentally friendly?

The lighting balloons are decorative and can reinforce your brand with the use of logos. They can be arranged in visually interesting ways. They are dimmable and can create a beautiful ambience. They provide light in many shapes, sizes and colours. Conventional solutions fall way short!

The Airstar lighting balloons have a soft quality of light, are stylish and can be a powerful marketing tool. They provide glare and shadow-free 360° illumination – no squinting! One balloon is much more energy efficient than multiple conventional lights: 1 x 2kw balloon compared to 4 x 1kw conventional lights for 360°. So less power and less greenhouse emission.  They are quick and easy to set-up with less structural requirement (eg. trusses) affording savings on manpower and time.

Q. Should I use an air filled or helium filled lighting balloon?

All can have logos applied however there are advantages and disadvantages to both:

Helium – can operate at greater height and light up a larger area (due to the height) and are magical the way they float, but for outdoor use, we must consider wind. Helium balloons are ideal in large indoor venues where conventional rigging is not possible.

Air filled: better wind resistance, more cost effective versus helium, quick to install. The most popular choice.

Q. How much do they cost to hire? What is included? Are they for sale?

Lighting balloons can be hired for one day or longer periods of time. Significant economies are achieved over multiple days and/or units.  Locations, set-ups and objectives for each client vary greatly and we discuss each event and customise a lighting/decorative/branding solution for each project. Hire costs include the lighting balloons, stands, cabling to within 10m of each unit, installation by experienced and specialist technicians plus removal.

For events and branding, most clients choose to hire the balloons. Some venues (restaurants, hotels, retail) may purchase units where they require on-going signage/branding – say at the front of buildings. The Industrial/Search & Rescue sectors generally purchase the lighting balloons but may also hire, depending on requirements.

Q. Do I need to supply the logo? What about colours?

We print and attach logos to the lighting balloons from your artwork (eps files are ideal). Usually 1 to 3 logos are applied to each unit, depending on logo & balloon size, plus the ‘visibility’ requirement. Logos are an additional cost which varies with size, colour & complexity of design. We can help with recommendations – we know what works – and can often be flexible with short lead times. The logos are then removed at the completion of the event, so the lighting balloon is ready for the next job.

The lighting balloons are white but can have coloured “jackets” attached at an additional cost. There are also custom jackets available such as planets, beverages, tennis/soccer/golf balls, etc.  Some units – eg the “Cones”, “Horns” or “Towairs” – have LED and so can change colour randomly, be set to a pattern or fixed to one colour.

Q. What shapes & sizes do you have? What are the most popular product for events?

Our round lighting balloons are available as 0.9m, 1.3m, 1.6m and 2m diameter. Helium lighting balloons include 2m, 3m, 5m and 6m diameter (we have even done a giant 14m diameter at Melbourne’s “Federation Square” for the “Light in Winter” festival in 2010). The inflatable, LED “Cones” and “Towairs” (tubes) are 3m, 4m or 5m high. We also have Stars and other “weird shapes”, helium filled fish, and often create jellyfish and other unusual executions.

For outdoor use, the 1.6m and 2m sizes are very popular in the air-filled round lighting balloons. At Trade Shows, the 2m and 3m helium filled lighting balloons create major impact in large venues, above stands or exhibits. Often smaller air-filled balloons are used in conjunction.

Clients can create different effects by using multiple units in one size and/or colour, by mixing sizes, shape and colour and so on. Certainly one lighting balloon can be effective but most often multiple units really create maximum impact.

We also have a range of innovative LED cordless products in different shapes and sizes which are strong, resisitant to impact and produce bright, colourful light to create the perfect ambience. Some can be used as seats or tables, many can float on water. There are table lamps, centrepieces, drink buckets and much more …. and many can be remote controlled.

Q. How are they installed? What are my options?

Our price includes installation on stands which are height adjustable – there are a variety of stands we use in different situations (tripod legs with “skirt”, flat base plates, etc). However the possibilities are endless: we can hang, attach, position in trees, create pathways, mount on machinery and some products will float on water. Usually we do a site inspection to discuss options and assess access and requirements.

Q. Do you do custom designs?

Yes – often. We can do video projections onto the balloons, air-filled “walls”, clear spheres and place people/objects inside, trapeze balloons, domes for a unique and stylish “showcase”, blimps and much more.

Q. Will they make photography at my event difficult?

Quite the contrary! The Airstar lighting balloons are glare-free and enhance skin tone – they are used widely in fashion shows around the world and photographers love them!

Q. Can I or my team set-up the lighting balloons?

No. We prefer to ensure the success and safety of your lighting requirements by using specialist Airstar technicians for setting-up and removing the lighting balloons. If you choose to purchase we will ensure you understand use and maintenance.

Q. How far in advance do I need to book lighting balloon hire?

We appreciate as much lead-time as possible. However, we are able to respond quickly to most requests – often within a week! Ideally, a month or more is recommended.

Q. How can we see the lighting balloons?

Every time we demonstrate our unique product, clients are more enthusiastic at the potential and possibilities.  We are happy to organise a demonstration and/or to advise where they are being used (if possible).

Q. Will our venue allow us to use the lighting balloons?

Venue managers can sometimes confuse our “Lighting Balloons” with conventional latex party balloons which can cause problems (floating into the roof, popping, etc) which are time consuming and expensive to rectify. Our lighting balloons are very different. The air-filled lighting balloons are physically mounted to a stand or hung, etc. The helium lighting balloons cannot escape as they have an electrical cable running to them and guy lines. Air-filled or helium, both are low pressure and neither will “pop” like a latex party baloon. We are happy to discuss and demonstrate to your venue if required and/or to provide documentation. However, any site permits/permissions are the responsibility of our clients.

Q. Can they be used in bad weather & harsh conditions?

The lighting balloons are made from hi tech, non-flammable, rip-stop textiles and can withstand rain, snow and wind. They have an IP index rating of 44-54 dependent on the model. Wind speed varies by model and set-ups and we can advise you on this. They have been used in snowy sub-zero temperatures (Vancouver Winter Olympics) through to arid and dusty deserts. They are especially suited to rugged/uneven terrain and small spaces. More information can be supplied from the product technical data sheets which we can supply.

Q. Do they have special power requirements?

The balloons plug into normal 240v household power points and are very energy efficient. We also have models that convert to 110v and 12v. We generally require power to be available to within 10m of each unit. For events with more complicated set-ups, we can assist with cabling and power distribution solutions, cable ramps, EWP’s, etc.

Q. Are the lighting balloons safe?

Yes, the Airstar lighting balloons are safe and safety rated. The in-built safety system will detect any loss of pressure in the envelope and if so, will automatically switch off the light. The lighting balloon envelope is made from a non-flammable, rip stop material. They are not hot to touch. They are air inflated and run very quietly.

Q. Are the lights insured?

The client/hirer is responsible for the security of the equipment that we supply and will be responsible for any theft, loss or damage.  This includes maintenance and associated costs caused/arising from issues caused by other parties, vandalism, damage by falling tree branches, fireworks, etc. Also any damage caused by failure to supply electricity 24/7. We recommend clients review their insurance cover and security arrangements.

Airstar Australia maintains a public liability insurance policy with coverage up to $20 million for any one occurrence. We are happy to supply a certificate of currency.

Q. Do the lighting balloons need any permits? Special  machinery?

Any site/event specific permits are the responsibility of the client/hirer, as is any special machinery/equipment (eg. EWP) required to perform the installation, maintenance and removal. We assume that access to site/venue for Airstar Australia personnel and/or vehicles is straight forward so we can complete delivery, installation and removal in a timely & efficient manner.

Q. What are your payment terms? How can I pay?

To hire, we generally require pre-payment : a deposit to confirm the booking and the balance prior to installation. All bookings are subject to our standard terms & conditions of business which we are available on this website (bottom of page). All payments to be by EFT with a bank confirmation to accounts@airstar.com.au. We do not have a credit card facility.

For all sales we require full payment, including freight charges if applicable, prior to despatch.

Q. Can you help with other aspects of my event?

We are happy to help where possible. If not, we can probably help with contact suggestions.

Q. Do you service all of Australia?

We hire and distribute throughout Australia.

AIRSTAR Australia Terms & Conditions – HIRE – Jan 2010

AIRSTAR Australia Terms & Conditions – SALE OF GOODS – Jan 2010