The national capital's most famous aerial export is on the market as the joint owners look to sell their ballooning business after nearly 20 years.

Global Ballooning co-owner Sarah Clegg said she was disappointed the company was for sale, but its prominent asset was a valuable attraction for a potential buyer.

The Skywhale over Lake Burley Griffin for the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in 2013. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"The Skywhale is worth an extraordinary amount – it's a free ride around the world for any balloonist," she said.

There's only one catch: "You need to buy the whole company to get it."