Monaco’s national hot-air balloon has its sights set on the United States. The Club des Aéronautes de Monaco plans to cross the country from east to west in 2027 and 2028, starting from Philadelphia, the birthplace of Princess Grace.

The project was announced after the Monaco Moravia balloon made a second appearance on Place du Palais Princier during the Monaco Yacht Show.

The crossing is planned over seven stages and nearly two months. It will end at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where the Monaco team will compete in the Nations Cup.

Alain Cruteanschii, President of the Club des Aéronautes de Monaco, said the journey would be “a remarkable international showcase” for what he described as one of the Principality’s most beautiful emblems.

The Palace Square display came a year after the balloon’s first presentation at the same event. It was secured to the ground and fully inflated, drawing spectators to a striking sight in front of the Palace.

Getting it airborne was never guaranteed. The team monitored wind direction, strength and shifting conditions hour by hour, and the go-ahead was only confirmed a few minutes before deployment began.

Cruteanschii, who founded the club and piloted the operation, said the moment brought “a feeling of pride, and of a duty accomplished.”

Representatives of Moravia Yachting, the club’s principal partner since last year, attended the presentation. Cruteanschii said their support was fundamental to the club’s ambitions, which now reach well beyond Monaco’s borders.

He also pointed to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s role as Honorary President of the Aéronautes de Monaco. Cruteanschii said the Sovereign’s acceptance amounts to official support for what he called an eco-friendly red-and-white balloon and a symbol of the Principality’s commitment.

Before the American adventure, the balloon has a busy start to 2027. In January it is due at the Mondovì Festival in Italy, at Méribel in the Three Valleys, and at the International Château-d’Œx Balloon Festival in Switzerland.

February brings appearances at Verbier in Switzerland and at Auron in the Alpes-Maritimes. Further flights will be announced soon.

The balloon is meant to act as an ambassador for the Principality in the skies, embodying elegance, boldness and innovation.

Image courtesy of Ed Wright