Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Most balloons launched in one hour: NM balloon festival sets world record (Video)

 ALBUQUERQUE, NM, USA -- Officials with the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta say independent counters reported 345 hot-air balloon took to the air in one hour - setting the new world record for the Most hot air balloons launched in one hour, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com).

  Photo: Hot air balloons lift off at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M. ( enlarge photo )

  That's 16 more balloons than ascended into the air in an hour during the 2000 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta , when the previous world record was set.

The Guinness world record for the most hot air balloons to cross the English Channel is 49 and was organised by Palletways (UK); the group took off from Lydden Hill Race Circuit, Dover, UK and landed at Calais Airport, France.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the longest duration flight by helium balloons: 13 hr 36 min 57 seconds, achieved by Jonathan Trappe (United States) in The Spirit Cluster (totalling 57 balloons) who flew over North Carolina, United States .

  More than 550 hot-air balloons and more than 600 pilots from around the world are taking part in this year's Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

   "There's no better way to celebrate the 40th Balloon Fiesta than breaking a world record on our opening day," said John Sena, president of the board for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta . "It was a beautiful day and a signature moment for the world's premier balloon event."