Alicia Hempleman‑Adams, 36, completed a transatlantic crossing in the open‑basket hydrogen gas balloon Atlantic Explorer, becoming the first British woman and only the second woman ever to do so. The flight launched from Presque Isle, Maine, and landed in Bastendorf, Luxembourg after about 70 hours, averaging 14,000 ft and reaching speeds up to 62 mph. The mission used hydrogen as its sole lift source and involved exposure to severe conditions, including icing from rain; Hempleman‑Adams was awarded an MBE in 2024.
Alicia Hempleman-Adams Becomes First British Woman To Cross Atlantic In Hydrogen Balloon
Alicia Hempleman-Adams lands in Luxembourg - Johnny Green
Alicia Hempleman-Adams, 36, has completed a transatlantic crossing in an open‑basket hydrogen gas balloon, becoming the first British woman — and only the second woman in history — to cross the Atlantic by gas balloon.
Ms Hempleman-Adams, Bert Padelt and Peter Cuneo during their flight - Peter Cuneo
The Atlantic Explorer lifted off from Presque Isle, Maine, at 06:08 UTC on Thursday and touched down in Bastendorf, Luxembourg at 05:58 UTC on Sunday after roughly 70 hours aloft. Hempleman‑Adams flew with teammates Bert Padelt (New Mexico) and Peter Cuneo (Pennsylvania).
Crossing the French Coast
The team said the mission aimed to achieve the first successful manned transoceanic flight using hydrogen as the sole onboard lifting gas. During the crossing they maintained an average altitude near 14,000 ft and recorded speeds up to 62 mph.
The balloon is prepared for lift-off in Maine
The crew endured sustained exposure to the elements in the open basket. Once clear of Newfoundland the only practical alternative landing would have been the open ocean, so the pilots used careful altitude changes to catch winds that kept the balloon on course.
The crew drop ballast, or sandbags, to achieve lift over Cape Breton Island in Novia Scotia - Kris Tynski
Alicia Hempleman‑Adams: "I’m incredibly proud that we completed the crossing. There were times when we thought we might not make it. Flying through rain caused ice to build up on the balloon, which made conditions extremely difficult and added real jeopardy to the flight. It was an extraordinary team effort to keep going and bring the balloon safely across the Atlantic. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn so much from two world‑class pilots."
Her father, Sir David Hempleman‑Adams, 69, who previously completed a solo Atlantic crossing in an open basket, praised her achievement.
The open basket made conditions challenging
Sir David Hempleman‑Adams: "I am enormously proud of Alicia. I know first‑hand just how tough an Atlantic crossing in an open basket can be, and to complete it in such challenging conditions is a remarkable achievement."
Ms Hempleman‑Adams was appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2024 for services to hot‑air ballooning.
Sir David Hempleman-Adams with his daughter Alicia after she landed in Luxembourg - Johnny Green
Flight Details (Key Facts):
- Balloon: Atlantic Explorer (open‑basket gas balloon)
- Lift Gas: Hydrogen as the sole onboard lifting agent
- Launch: Presque Isle, Maine — 06:08 UTC, Thursday
- Landing: Bastendorf, Luxembourg — 05:58 UTC, Sunday
- Duration: ~70 hours aloft; average altitude ~14,000 ft; top speeds up to 62 mph
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