Summary
Brussels Airlines has added a dazzling new aircraft livery to its famous “Belgian Icons” series, unveiling an Airbus A320 dedicated to one of Belgium’s most recognized landmarks—the Atomium.
The newly painted OO-SNM aircraft made its debut at a special ceremony in Brussels before embarking on its maiden commercial flight to Prague on March 27, 2025.
Celebrating Belgium’s Heritage in the Skies
The Atomium-themed livery, designed by Belgian architect Thomas Faes of Faes Architecture, was chosen from over 900 contest entries in a nationwide design competition. The contest aimed to capture the essence of Belgium’s rich heritage, with thousands of votes ultimately selecting Faes’ tribute to the Atomium. The design process took months, with meticulous attention to detail to ensure an accurate representation of the monument.
Faes expressed his excitement about the project, stating:
“There are many parallels between an architectural project and the design of an aircraft livery. Seeing the aircraft in real life was a magical transition from concept to reality. I am incredibly proud of the result, which blends elegance with modernity.”
A Work of Art in the Sky
Transforming Faes’ vision into reality required a meticulous painting process that used approximately 400 litres of paint and took a staggering 2,400 hours to complete. Renowned XXL airbrush artist André Eisele, who has worked on all previous Belgian Icon liveries, played a key role in bringing the artwork to life.
Beyond its striking exterior, the aircraft’s interior design also tells the Atomium’s story, featuring historical sketches, photos from its 1958 construction, and modern imagery that celebrates its status as a Belgian cultural icon.
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, highlighted the deep connection between the airline and the Atomium, saying:
“The Atomium has long been woven into our identity, from the nine red dots in our logo to elements in our uniforms. This livery is a perfect fit for our Belgian Icons family.”
The Belgian Icons Fleet: A Tradition of Iconic Liveries
Since 2015, Brussels Airlines has been adorning aircraft with liveries celebrating Belgium’s cultural heritage. The Atomium joins a prestigious lineup of Belgian Icons, which includes:
- Rackham (2015) – Featuring Tintin’s submarine shark, inspired by Hergé’s famous comic.
- Trident (2022) – Dedicated to Belgium’s national football teams, the Red Devils and Red Flames.
- Amare (2024) – A tribute to the Tomorrowland music festival.
- Previous icons also included liveries celebrating René Magritte, Smurfs (Aerosmurf), and Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Where to Spot the Atomium Livery
The newly painted A320-214 OO-SNM (msn 2003) will serve Brussels Airlines’ European network, giving aviation enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to spot and fly on the aircraft. Its inaugural flight on March 27 took off for Prague, and the aircraft will continue to operate across the airline’s short-haul and medium-haul routes.
Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director of the Atomium, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“Seeing our beloved monument soaring through the skies is a powerful symbol of Belgium’s innovation and creativity. This partnership ensures that the Atomium continues to inspire people worldwide.”
A Must-See for Aviation Enthusiasts
For plane spotters and aviation lovers, the Atomium livery is a must-see addition to Brussels Airlines’ fleet. Keep an eye out at major European airports, and if you get the chance to fly on this aircraft, you’ll be experiencing a unique piece of Belgian culture at 35,000 feet.
Have you spotted or flown on any of Brussels Airlines’ Belgian Icons? Leave a comment below!
