By Debbie Spaeth, Chair, FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) Public & Media Relations (PMR)

On July 18, 2025, FAI Ballooning President of Honour, Horst Haßold, passed away after a short illness. Earlier this year, Horst had the privilege of celebrating his 100th birthday, and 69 years of flight, with family and friends. Read story.

Horst served on the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) Bureau for many years including as CIA Secretary, 1st Vice President and as CIA President between 1977 to 1981. He was named as a President of Honour in 1982. In 1983, he received the FAI Montgolfier Diploma, the highest award in ballooning worldwide, for his contribution to the sport.

Claude Weber, FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) President commented:

"The lifelong dedication of Horst Hassold should be a role model for all of us. Our sport lives from passion and commitment — and Horst embodied both to the fullest."

Markus Haggeney, FAI Secretary General, on behalf of FAI, added:

"On behalf of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, I would like to express our profound condolences on the passing of Horst. He only recently celebrated his 100ᵗʰ birthday - what an extraordinary gift of time.

The photographs from his centenary celebration were truly heartening, capturing the joy and admiration of all who gathered to honour him. They stand as a beautiful testament to a life richly lived and the high esteem in which he was held.

His contributions to national and international ballooning, within the German Federation and across the FAI, constitute a legacy that will endure for many years to come. We shall honour his memory during the forthcoming FAI General Conference.

Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends."

Photos courtesy of the 100th birthday celebration article by Thomas Fink, in 2025.