The Monaco Ballooning Team has announced an ambitious programme for 2026, including participation in a record-breaking attempt to cross the English Channel with 200 balloons.
The team, which operates under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, will kick off its international calendar at the Château-d’Oex festival in Switzerland from January 24th to February 1st. The event is known for attracting the world’s largest gathering of mountain balloons.
The proposed Channel crossing, if the weather permits it, will take place before the end of April. The attempt would mark a significant milestone in hot-air ballooning history.
President and Pilot Alain Cruteanschii said the team is also planning a tour of prestigious Alpine destinations including Gstaad, Verbier, Méribel and Courchevel for a television documentary. The club is additionally hoping to stage launches from Monaco’s Palace Square this winter, featuring multiple eco-friendly balloons.
The partnership that fuelled the international expansion
The expanded activity follows a major partnership with Moravia Yachting, which has enabled the team to pursue international opportunities. “Our new partner gives us the means to match our international ambitions and to showcase the image of the Principality around the world,” Cruteanschii said, adding that the team is currently responding to invitations from all continents.
The announcement follows a busy 2025 for Les Aéronautes de Monaco, which included the unveiling of their new Monaco-Moravia balloon at the Monaco Yacht Show, followed by a spectacular evening at the Palace Square. They also participated in the 6th Qatar Balloon Festival in December, where they flew the principality’s red and white colours alongside crews from around the world.
The team kicked off 2026 at the annual Mondovì Festival in Italy, where they maintain their operational base as full members of the local aero club. Looking ahead, Cruteanschii hinted at plans for a Prince Albert II Cup competition in 2027
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Main photo credit: Ed Wright Images