FAI Ballooning Commission Hall of Fame
A Balloon Museum Exhibition Featuring Official Inductees from Around the World
Féderation Aéronautique Internationale
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, FAI - The World Air Sports Federation, was founded in 1905. It is a non-governmental and non-profit making international organization with the basic aim of furthering aeronautical and astronautical activities worldwide, ratifying world and continental records and coordinating the organization of international competitions. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
FAI Ballooning Commission
All Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) ballooning international championships, competitions and record activities are conducted under the direction of the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA). CIA stands for "Comité International d'Aérostation". Members of the FAI CIA, Balloon Museum Foundation, and Balloon Museum staff form the FAI CIA Hall of Fame selection committee.
FAI Ballooning Commission Hall of Fame
Each year the FAI CIA Hall of Fame selection committee meets to decide who should be added to the pool of potential inductees, as well decide on who will be inducted each year. The decisions are ratified at the annual FAI plenary meeting. Each member country’s delegates can nominate balloonists from their country. Note that once a balloonist is officially added to the potential pool of inductees, it is at least one more year before they can be considered for induction.
The FAI CIA Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor those who have made significant contributions to ballooning and airships, including those who have excelled in years of service to the FAI CIA, or have excelled in ballooning history, design, engineering, competitions, and setting records. The Balloon Museum has been home to the International Ballooning Hall of Fame since 2011, and hosts the induction ceremony each year on the Friday before the Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaⓇ starts.
Learn more about the FAI Ballooning Commission.
The FAI CIA Hall of Fame Exhibit
The Balloon Museum is the home of the FAI CIA Hall of Fame exhibit. A centerpiece touchscreen interactive, nearly 8 feet tall, invites visitors to learn more about all of the inductees. The exhibition traces the stories of inductees, beginning with those who launched the age of human aviation over two centuries ago through ballooning. Since then, people have pushed the technology of ballooning and lighter-than-air (LTA) aviation in order to reach new heights, gain new knowledge, and advance human capabilities.
In 2025, the FAI CIA recognized Richard Abruzzo and Hans Åkerstedt for their groundbreaking advancements and achievements in ballooning.
Learn more about the 2025 inductees.
Watch: The FAI Ballooning Commission International Hall Of Fame - 2021 Induction Ceremony