Brussels Airlines introduces new Belgian Icon Atomium

On Wednesday 26 March 2025 Brussels Airlines, in collaboration with the Atomium, hosted a special event at the airline’s Maintenance & Engineering hangar at Brussels Airport to introduce a new Belgian Icon Atomium, dedicated to the renowned Belgian landmark. After a contest launched in August 2024, the winning design of architect Thomas Faes was brought to life.

Special Event

At a special event held in the airline’s Maintenance & Engineering hangar at Brussels Airport, media, guests, and employees of Brussels Airlines gathered to witness the grand reveal. The new Belgian Icon Atomium pays tribute to one of Belgium’s most recognised symbols. Atomium joins the airline’s prestigious lineup of Belgian Icons, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium in the air.

Thomas Faes, designer of Belgian Icon Atomium, Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines and Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director of the Atomium

From contest to soaring reality

​In August 2024 Brussels Airlines launched a contest, inviting Belgians and residents to submit designs capturing the essence of Belgium. The response was impressive with over 900 creative entries highlighting the country’s diverse heritage: from cycling and Art Nouveau to comic book characters and, of course, the Atomium. After a rigorous selection process, 15 finalists were chosen, and a public vote of over 50,000 participants narrowed them down to the top five.

A distinguished jury – including singer Sandra Kim, musician Alex Callier, artist Philippe Geluck, and designer Gabrielle Szwarcenberg – ultimately selected the Atomium design by Belgian architect Thomas Faes. His vision encapsulated the iconic building’s historical significance and timeless appeal. Even as a child, Thomas was fascinated by the structure, an admiration that inspired his technical design approach.

Thomas Faes, designer of the new Belgian Icon Atomium, said: “There are many parallels between an architectural project and the design of an aircraft livery. Both involve a series of stages to complete and constraints to consider. What stands out most to me of these last months, is the human journey behind it all. However, I will also always remember the first 3D simulation – that moment when you can truly say that it has the desired impact. Equally unforgettable is seeing the aircraft in real life, experiencing that magical transition from concept to reality. I am incredibly proud of the result, which blends elegance with modernity.”

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, said: “Though the final decision wasn’t easy, looking back, choosing Thomas Faes’ design is the perfect fit. The Atomium has long been woven into our identity, from the nine red dots in our logo or on our aircraft’s tails to the lining of the blazers or the scarves in our uniforms. I am very happy to see our newest member of the Belgian Icon’s family joining our fleet for the coming five years.”

Airbus A320-214 OO-SNM Atomium

Bringing the Atomium to the skies

​To transform Thomas Faes’ concept into reality, Brussels Airlines’ marketing team refined his design to meet all technical specifications. The painting process required over 400 liters of paint and took about 2,400 hours from start to finish. Renowned XXL airbrush artist André Eisele, who has worked on all eight previous Belgian Icons, once again created a stunning masterpiece. Airbus A320-214 OO-SNM’s interior is also remarkable, guiding passengers through the structure’s history. From original sketches and historical photos of its 1958 construction to present-day imagery, the design tells the story of Belgium’s iconic monument.

Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director of the Atomium, said: “This collaboration between the Atomium and Brussels Airlines represents a perfect union of two Belgian icons that have long served as ambassadors for our country’s innovation and creativity. Just as the Atomium has welcomed visitors from around the world since 1958, Brussels Airlines connects Belgium to global destinations daily. Seeing our beloved monument soaring through the skies is not only a stunning visual tribute but also a powerful symbol of our shared mission to showcase the best of Belgium internationally. We are incredibly proud to see the Atomium take flight and bring a piece of Belgium to every corner of the world Brussels Airlines reaches.”.

Airbus A320-214 OO-SNM Atomium

About the Brussels Airlines Belgian Icons

Since 2015 Brussels Airlines has introduced several special Belgian Icons liveries:

• Rackham: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNB Rackham was introduced in 2015 and pays tribute to the world-famous Belgian comic Tintin.
• Magritte: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNC Magritte was introduced in 2016 and got a new Star Alliance livery in 2021. It left the Brussels Airlines fleet in early 2024.The aircraft was a homage to the Belgian surrealistic painter René Magritte.
• Trident: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNA Trident was introduced in 2016 and operated its final Brussels Airlines flight in 2022. The aircraft was the official plane of the Belgian Red Devils, the Belgian national football team.
• Trident: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNO Trident entered the Brussels Airlines fleet in 2022 and became the new Trident in late 2022, this time also proudly representing the Belgian Red Flames, the Belgian female national football team.
• Amare: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNF Amare became the first Belgian Icon to pay tribute to Tomorrowland in 2017 until it was repainted in early 2024.
• Amare: Airbus A320-251N OO-SBB Amare entered the Brussels Airlines fleet in late 2023 and became the new Amare in April 2024.
• Aerosmurf: Airbus A320-214 OO-SND Aerosmurf was introduced in 2018 and operated its final Brussels Airlines flight in early 2024.
• Bruegel: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNE Bruegel was introduced in 2019 and has been repainted in late 2023.
• Atomium: Airbus A320-214 OO-SNM Atomium entered the Brussels Airlines fleet in April 2018 and became a Belgian Icon in March 2025, paying tribute to the renowned Belgian landmark.

Four Belgian Icons are still flying at moment of writing: Rackham, Trident, the new Amare and Atomium.

The idea behind the Belgian Icons is to introduce the best of Belgium to the world. The Belgian Icons are known all over the world and make flying even more fun.

26 March 2025