It had become a symbol of the Parisian landscape for over two decades. Today, the Ballon Generali de Paris no longer flies in the skies over Paris, and has even disappeared from the Parc André Citroën, where it was installed for so many years. But don't worry, in a few months it'll be back in the air again.
After 25 years of loyal service, and 1,500,000 passengers carried in its gondola since its first flight in July 1999, the Ballon Generali de Paris has said farewell. The emblematic giant balloon, seen by 400,000 people each time it ascended, ceased its flights on January 11. Yet this balloon - described as the world's least polluting aircraft - was the delight of many Parisians. Flying over the capital at a height of 150 meters, it was not uncommon to spot it in the sky from several strategic locations. So why did the Ballon Generali de Paris disappear from the Parc André Citroën? And when will this Parisian flying symbol make a comeback?
In concrete terms, the famous Ballon Generali has been gradually deflated since January 11. A major deflation operation, requiring a " very specific intervention ", was set up for the occasion. The 6,200 m³ of helium contained in the balloon were recovered, compressed and stored in 30 m³ of a small trailer, to be recycled.
A process already used last September during the deflation of the famous balloon in the cauldron of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This process " guarantees optimal and sustainable management of this precious resource ", according to a press release. It took three full days to complete this impressive helium re-pumping operation.
In spring 2025, a new balloon will be re-inflated in the Parc André Citroën, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Manufactured by Aérophile, the world leader in tethered balloons, it will once again fly over the capital, " with a reinforced ecological and scientific commitment " to " raise awareness among Parisians and tourists of environmental issues and their impact on health ".