By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News | March 28, 2025
Brussels Airlines has revealed the latest addition to its prestigious “Belgian Icons” fleet with the unveiling of a striking new Airbus A320 livery named “Atomium”, honoring one of the most recognizable monuments in Belgium and symbolizing the nation’s commitment to creativity, science, and cultural pride.
The newly painted aircraft—registration OO-SNM—touched down in Brussels this morning from the paint shop and will operate its first commercial flight tomorrow to Prague. The livery was designed by Thomas Faes, a Belgian architect known for blending futuristic design with cultural identity through his practice at Faes Architecture.
A National Symbol Takes to the Skies
In a ceremony held at Brussels Airlines’ Maintenance & Engineering hangar, the airline unveiled the aircraft in front of invited guests, employees, and media. The “Atomium” design pays tribute to the famous Brussels landmark built for the 1958 World’s Fair, which has since become a global symbol of Belgian ingenuity.
“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,” said Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director of the Atomium.
Bridging Art and Engineering
Transforming the architectural concept into an airworthy design required careful technical collaboration between the airline’s engineering teams and the creative vision of Faes. The process took several months, involving digital simulations, color calibration, and aerodynamic evaluations to ensure that the aircraft’s performance remained uncompromised.
“I will always remember the first 3D simulation,” Faes shared in an interview with The Brussels Times. “Equally unforgettable is seeing the aircraft in real life. I am incredibly proud of the result, which blends elegance with modernity.”
The livery is not only a visual homage but also a reminder of Belgium’s role in the global conversation on design, science, and progressive thinking.
Continuing the Belgian Icons Legacy
“Atomium” joins a select series of aircraft in the Belgian Icons fleet, a creative initiative launched by Brussels Airlines to spotlight Belgian heritage through the skies. Other celebrated liveries have featured cultural and national figures such as Tintin, Magritte, and Tomorrowland, each transforming a standard aircraft into a flying ambassador of Belgian excellence.
This latest icon is expected to fly across key European destinations, reinforcing Brussels Airlines’ brand as both a carrier and a cultural ambassador.
Conclusion
With the “Atomium” aircraft now airborne, Brussels Airlines continues its tradition of blending aviation with artistry. More than a commemorative paint job, this new icon represents a forward-looking nation that remains deeply connected to its roots. As it ascends into the skies tomorrow, the “Atomium” becomes more than an aircraft—it becomes a symbol of Belgium’s enduring spirit of innovation.
