Driven by the unveiling of the Monaco-Moravia balloon and a major strategic partnership, The Monaco Ballooning Team, under the Honorary Presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, concluded 2025 in spectacular fashion and are now opening a 2026 filled with ambition. From the shores of Monaco to the skies of Qatar and Italy, the national hot-air balloon is establishing itself as a true aerial ambassador of the Principality.
The year 2025 will remain etched in memory as a decisive turning point for the Monaco Ballooning Team. A highlight of this momentum was the official presentation of the Monaco-Moravia balloon, unveiled during the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show on the Terrasses du Soleil, and later during an exceptional evening on Palace Square.
For the first time, the public discovered this new national, eco-friendly balloon, the result of a major partnership with Moravia Yachting. This was followed by a first major international journey to Qatar, for one of the world’s largest balloon gatherings. On that occasion, Les Aéronautes de Monaco proudly flew the red and white colors in the Qatari sky alongside crews from all over the world. A powerful moment of sharing and visibility that confirmed the club’s growing international stature.
“The invitation we received to take part in the 6th Qatar Balloon Festival in December is a great recognition of the quality of our team. We are proud to have had the privilege of representing the Principality at this exceptional event”, said Alain Cruteanschii, President of the Monaco Ballooning Team.
This journey brought to a close an already intense year 2025, marked by numerous operations and a steady rise in the club’s profile.
“Our new partner, MORAVIA YACHTING, gives us the means to match our international ambitionsand to showcase the image of the Principality around the world by taking part in the greatest aeronautical events on the planet. We are currently responding to numerous invitations from all continents,” the President—also the balloon’s pilot—reveals with pride and ambition.
The 2026 Program
Remaining true to its traditions, the Monaco Ballooning Team opened 2026 in Italy, at the International Mondovì Festival, a benchmark event that takes place every year. The Monaco-Moravia balloon took flight there in a warm and friendly atmosphere, confirming the club’s strong attachment to this unmissable rendezvous that has launched its annual calendar for several seasons.
“The city of Mondovì is the official operational base of the Monaco Ballooning Team, and we are full members of the Mondovì Aero Club. These few days on site mark the beginning of the aeronautical yearand allow us to gene- rate beautiful images,” declares Alain Cruteanschii.
The year 2026 is now shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in the club’s history. Through each of its appearances, the Monaco-Moravia balloon will proudly carry the image of the Principality and help position Monaco as a recognized player in the field of ecological aeronautics. Internationally, yes—but also within the Principality itself.
From January 24 to February 1, 2026, the International Balloon Festival of Château-d’Oex in Switzerland will bring together the largest number of mountain balloons in the world.
Our club will also take part in a historic record attempt: the crossing of the English Channel by 200 balloons. A project dependent on a favorable weather window before April 30, 2026.
At the same time, a tour of the most beautiful Alpine sites, Gstaad, Verbier, Méribel, Courchevel, and others great places is currently being organized for the production of a television film.
“We enjoy the unwavering support of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Honorary President of our club, who authorizes us to take off from Palace Square. If conditions allow, launches accompanied by other eco-friendly balloons are planned for this winter. In preparation, we hope, for the future Prince Albert II Cup in 2027…”
