Balloon Museum Foundation

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Gerald “Jerry” Landgraf, a beloved leader, generous supporter, and longtime champion of the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation.

Jerry served as Foundation Board President for two terms and helped shape our organization through his thoughtful leadership, unwavering generosity, and steadfast commitment to the ballooning community. He was often the first to support a new initiative, the first to arrive at a board meeting, and always ready to help move the Foundation forward.

Above all, Jerry loved ballooning, the Balloon Museum, Balloon Fiesta, and the people who make this community so special. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

The Foundation stands stronger today because of Jerry’s years of service and dedication. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Soft landings and gentle breezes, Jerry. You will be deeply missed.

Around 6:3 0am (MST) this morning, June 12, the Polar Expedition team is headed to Longyearbyen, Norway and then they will be traveling to Svalbard where they will launch their balloon, HB-BAS, which will officially mark the beginning of their journey, retracing the path of Salomon Andrée.

Visit our blog page for more details on what is coming up next and to track the team live on the interactive map.

https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/balloonmuseum/about/blog/2026-polar-expedition

And the adventures continue!

Peter Cuneo and his crew floated 2,852 nautical miles from Maine to Luxembourg in 70 hours aboard a hydrogen-powered balloon. It is believed to be the longest transoceanic gas-powered balloon flight ever completed. Full story linked in comments.

By Royal appointment 👑

This morning, Bert, Peter, Joanie, Barbara & John were honoured to be invited to the Palais Grand Ducal to meet Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg 🇱🇺

A New Mexico hot air balloon pilot made history recently by completing the longest gas-powered transoceanic balloon flight. ⬇️ Story link in comments.

MISSION SUCCESS!

The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to pilots Bert Padelt, Peter Cuneo, and Alicia Hempleman-Adams on their extraordinary and historic transatlantic balloon flight.

After four years of meticulous planning, preparation, and teamwork, the crew successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a hydrogen-filled gas balloon, launching from Presque Isle, Maine, on June 4 and landing safely in Tandel, Luxembourg. Their achievement stands as a remarkable testament to the spirit of exploration, innovation, endurance, and courage that has defined ballooning throughout its history.

Throughout the journey, supporters and fellow balloonists around the world followed their progress with anticipation and admiration as the tiny balloon traversed the vast North Atlantic. Flying from an open basket smaller than most closets, the crew endured challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures, heavy rain, overnight snow, and altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet. Propelled by powerful winds, the balloon at times reached speeds greater than 90 miles per hour, an extraordinary pace for a manned balloon.

Behind this successful flight was not only the skill and determination of the pilots, but also the expertise of the meteorologists and Flight Control team, whose collaboration helped navigate difficult weather conditions and identify a safe landing solution. As the balloon emerged over France and continued across Belgium into Luxembourg, ballooning enthusiasts around the world shared in the excitement of witnessing history unfold.

This accomplishment honors the pioneering traditions of gas ballooning while inspiring a new generation of adventurers, innovators, and dreamers. We celebrate Bert, Peter, Alicia, and the entire support team for demonstrating what is possible through preparation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to exploration.

Congratulations on this historic achievement and thank you for inspiring the global ballooning community.