The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical aerosol formulations comprising: (A) salmeterol xinafoate in the form of particles coated by spray-drying with at least one surfactant in the absence of any other coating excipient, in suspension in (B) a liquefied propellant gas which is 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoro-n-propane or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof for administration particularly by the pulmonary route and to a process for preparing these formulations. It also relates to novel particles suitable for use in such formulations.