The second edition of the Aeronautica Militare Balloon Cup – from the balloon to the stratosphere, the hot air balloon competition hosted from September 26 to 28 at the San Damiano Military Airport (PC), concluded with record numbers. Over three days, over 52,000 people crowded the event area, enhanced by performances from the Frecce Tricolori and the Aeronautica Militare Rhythmic Gymnastics Team.
The event, promoted by the Ministry of Defense and organized by Difesa Servizi and Aeronautica Militare in collaboration with the Aero Club d’Italia and the Aero Club di Pavullo (technical support from Aeronord Aerostati), aims to highlight the history, values, and capabilities of the Arma Azzurra, celebrating the hot air balloon as the “ancestor” of modern aeronautical platforms.
Tradition, technology, and a young audience
The event combined education and entertainment, bringing a diverse audience—many young people and families—closer to the national aeronautical heritage: static exhibitions, historical reenactments, tethered balloon flights, virtual reality, thematic talks with AM and ANSA protagonists (media partner), and even a show for children with Veronica Maya and the group Millenium Ensamble.
The numbers of the Balloon Cup 2025
- 3 performances by the Frecce Tricolori
- 30 balloons in competition
- almost 2,000 tethered flights
- almost 3,000 works created by children in creative workshops
- over 200 accredited media operators
- 8.4 million views on social channels
- over 50 hours of show
- 19 hectares of setup (17 for the public, 2 for competitions)
- 2 ceremonies and 4 talks
- all activities free, including balloon flights
Institutional voices
Tommaso Foti, Minister for European Affairs, Cohesion Policies, and the PNRR, described the Balloon Cup as “a prestigious sporting event” perfectly framed by the San Damiano airport, highlighting the role of the hot air balloon as a forerunner of modern Aeronautica means and thanking Defense, AM, and Difesa Servizi for the teamwork.
For the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Sen. Isabella Rauti, the event strengthens the principles of the Culture of Defense, combining historical identity and modern readiness, offering citizens the opportunity to learn about the means, tasks, and missions of the Armed Forces up close.
The Chief of Staff of the Aeronautica Militare, Gen. S.A. Antonio Conserva, emphasized the value of initiatives that show the public the daily work of Defense. Balloons and aerostats thus become a bridge between tradition and innovation, in a nation “fully aerospace” capable of developing advanced technologies for surveillance, communications, and Earth observation.
Luca Andreoli, CEO of Difesa Servizi, highlighted the international sporting appeal (over 30 crews, 28 from abroad) and the ambition to make San Damiano the capital of balloons, with economic, cultural, and social benefits for the area.
The territory as protagonist
“A team effort between institutions, partners, and volunteers” allowed the creation of a national-scale event, commented Mayor of Piacenza Katia Tarasconi, while Mayor of San Giorgio Piacentino Donatella Alberoni highlighted the positive economic impact for the community.
Among the institutional partners are the municipalities of Piacenza, San Giorgio Piacentino, and Podenzano; support from Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano, sponsorship from CONI and Regione Emilia-Romagna, active participation from Fondazione Buzzi. ENIT, Main Partner, promoted the project “Valore Paese Italia”, showcasing the beauty of the territories from above.
Inclusion, solidarity, sport
The three-day event hosted initiatives with Ospedale Bambino Gesù and Fondazione Buzzi, services dedicated to people with disabilities, and the participation of athletes from the Gruppo Sportivo Paralimpico della Difesa (GSPD). In the air, on the ground, and on stage, music and tradition with the Fanfara della 1ª Regione Aerea and live entertainment from Radio Bruno (media partner).
Grand finale: the free flight at sunset
The closure was marked by a spectacular free flight of balloons, just before sunset and visible even from the highway, which turned the sky of San Damiano into a mosaic of colors: the perfect symbol of an event capable of uniting the public, territories, and Armed Forces.
Behind those images, a true team effort: Aeronautica Militare and Difesa Servizi coordinated structure and safety; Aero Club d’Italia and Aero Club di Pavullo ensured sports and operational standards, with technical support from Aeronord Aerostati.
The territory responded with Piacenza, San Giorgio Piacentino, and Podenzano alongside the organizational machine; the Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano supported the project, sponsored by CONI and Regione Emilia-Romagna.
The Fondazione Buzzi brought social and health content; ENIT, Main Partner, linked the event to the story of “Valore Paese Italia”. Information and audience grew together, with ANSA and Radio Bruno weaving the media narrative. If the numbers speak clearly, the message is even clearer: the San Damiano airport has become a national showcase where entertainment, identity, and participation met in a single embrace.
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