The Aeronauts of Monaco joined teams from around the world at the 35th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Mondovì, Italy, earlier this month. The team, led by Alain Cruteanschii, stood out due to its bold red-and-white envelope and was among the select few chosen to participate in the stunning night shows of the event.
Between 4th and 6th January, crowds gathered in large numbers around the Mondovì Aeroclub, located just outside the picturesque Piedmontese city, to witness the extraordinary displays of hot air balloons from across the globe. Despite challenging weather conditions, the international crews managed to seize favourable moments, launching their balloons multiple times to the delight of onlookers and reaching incredible heights of almost 1,000m.
Among them was the Aeronauts of Monaco team, led by Alain Cruteanschii, who put on an elegant display on the Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, the latter as part of an enchanting night show.
The process of preparing the Monaco balloon for flight demonstrated meticulous teamwork, involving careful setup, inflation, safety checks, and coordinated communication between the pilot and ground teams. Each flight concluded with a smooth landing at a suitable location, followed by the complete storage and transportation of the hot air balloon back to the Aeroclub.
The Sunday evening flight was a highlight of the event. At dusk, a select fleet of balloons illuminated the gathering site in a mesmerising display of light and colour. This stationary exhibition captivated hundreds of spectators, including local dignitaries, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cruteanschii, who is the president of the Monaco Aeronauts Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “With the proximity that binds us to Mondovì, it seems important to me for the Monaco balloon to be available for what is, historically, the first festival of the year. It is a great moment of fraternity and exchange with our Italian friends. I am delighted to come back each time and participate, if only out of respect for the organisers… who always give us a warm welcome.”
For more on the Aeronauts of Monaco and their upcoming events, click here.
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Photo credit: Ed Wright / Les Aéronautes de Monaco