Hoping to send tourists — and spending — up, up and away, Navy Pier plans to open a new balloon ride as early as this year.

New York-based AeroBalloon will operate the new attraction, a tethered-to-the-ground balloon that, according to the company Web site, would allow tourists to “See Chicago as Never Before — Floating 35 stories above Navy Pier!”

Up to 14 passengers, plus the operator, would go up on any given ride. Passengers would be required to wear a harness attached to the gondola to prevent them from falling out during the 15-minute rides.

The picture above is of the AeroBalloon in the Boston Commons. To read more about the new attraction, including pricing, click here.

Don’t forget to check out the 104.3 JACK FM RCN Connection Crew at Navy Pier EVERY WEDNESDAY for music, prizes, and fireworks!