New Mexico-based balloonist Peter Cuneo, Pennsylvania pilot Bert Padelt and British pilot Alicia Hempleman-Adams have completed a projected record-setting transatlantic gas balloon flight in the hydrogen-powered Atlantic Explorer. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the crew launched from far northeastern Maine early Thursday and landed in Luxembourg early Sunday after flying 2,852 nautical miles in 70 hours and 11 minutes.
The crew spent about 36 hours over the North Atlantic before reaching the coast of France on Saturday evening, the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The flight included high-altitude operations above 20,000 feet, temperatures as low as 17 degrees below zero and periods of ice buildup on the balloon.
The flight was Padelt’s third attempt to complete the crossing. Cuneo was also aboard Padelt’s most recent attempt in 2025.
“He just felt like it would be a really, really nice accomplishment,” Cuneo told the Journal. “He thought it would be kind of a life-changing thing.”
The flight is still awaiting official review by the International Aeronautical Association. If verified, it is expected to be the longest transoceanic gas-powered balloon flight recorded.
Thanks for posting this article. I wish to make several comments.
First, resoundingly, Bert Padelt should have been listed first when mentioning the balloon’s pilots. Bert was the mastermind, and provided the primary impetus for making this flight. Together with his wife, Joanie, Bert personally constructed the balloon. Bert had dreamt of this flight for decades.
Secondly, this balloon was not “hydrogen powered.” Balloons are unpowered aircraft, and are propelled by wind. This particular balloon used hydrogen as its lifting gas. Bert is a world renowned hydrogen gas balloon builder.
Lastly, the photo accompanying this article is not of the balloon flown by Bert, Peter, and Alicia—it is a photo of a far more common hot-air balloon.
Go see the Double Eagle II at the Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport–first balloon across the Atlantic with Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman in 1978. You can also see the Brietling Orbiter–the first balloon around the world. Best, Vince Massimini