Brussels Airlines, in proud collaboration with the Atomium, is thrilled to introduce its newest Belgian Icon dedicated to the renowned landmark. After a contest launched in August 2024, the winning design of architect Thomas Faes (Faes Architecture) was brought to life. 

The ‘Atomium’ celebrates the nation’s spirit of creativity, innovation, and pride. The Airbus 320, OO-SNM, arrived in Brussels in Belgium early this morning from the painting facility and is set to embark on its first flight to Prague in Czechia tomorrow.

At a special event held in Brussels Airlines’ Maintenance & Engineering hangar, media, guests, and employees gathered to witness the grand reveal. “Atomium” pays tribute to one of Belgium’s most recognized symbols.

The ‘Atomium’ proudly joins the prestigious lineup of Belgian Icons, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium in the air.

From contest to soaring reality

​Last August, Brussels Airlines launched a contest, inviting Belgians and residents to submit designs capturing the essence of the country. 

The response was impressive with over 900 creative entries highlighting Belgium’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 (Faes Architecture). 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.

“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”, Thomas Faes says.

“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”, Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO at Brussels Airlines, says.

Bringing the Atomium to the skies

​To transform Thomas Faes’ (Faes Architecture) 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.

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.

“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”, Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director of the Atomium, says.

First maiden flight

​The aircraft’s first commercial flight is scheduled for March 27, 2025, departing for Prague (SN2809) at 9:25 AM.

About Brussels Airlines’ Belgian Icons

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.

Brussels Airlines’ first Belgian Icon, Rackham, was introduced in 2015 and pays tribute to Tintin, the world-famous Belgian comic.

In April this year, Amare was presented to the world which is the most recent Belgian Icon in cooperation with music festival Tomorrowland.

The third Belgian Icon currently in the fleet is Trident, the official plane of the Belgian Red Devils and Red Flames, respectively the male and female national football teams.

These are the previous Belgian Icons:

• Magritte was part of the fleet between 2016 and 2021. The aircraft was a homage to René Magritte, the Belgian surrealistic painter.
• Aerosmurf smurfed the fleet between 2018 and 2023. This plane also took shape during a design contest organized by Brussels Airlines.
• Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, a Belgian icon from the 16th century, traveled the world between 2019 and 2023.

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