Brussels Airlines reveals special livery
Brussels Airlines has revealed its latest special livery, dedicated to one of Belgium’s most recognisable landmarks: the Atomium.
The new design will join the airline’s series of themed aircraft, honouring national symbols and cultural heritage.
Selected from more than 900 entries, the winning design was created by Belgian architect Thomas Faes, who wanted to pay tribute to the celebrated emblem of Belgian architecture.
The Atomium, originally constructed for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, symbolises scientific progress and is designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Faes, 44, who lives in Orp-Jauche in Walloon Brabant, aimed to encapsulate the landmark’s historical significance and its place as a beacon of Belgian pride.
Brussels Airlines began the search for its next Belgian icon in August, launching a public competition to find the design. After receiving more than 900 entries, an internal jury shortlisted 15 designs and opened voting to the public, gathering over 50,000 votes.
The top five were then reviewed by a panel of notable figures, including Eurovision winner Sandra Kim, Hooverphonic’s Alex Callier, and famed cartoonist Philippe Geluck, along with Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg.
“It was a very interesting debate, and a tough decision to make. All the designs in the top 5 had great topics that would make great Belgian Icons,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines.
“The Atomium was built for the World Expo in Belgium in 1958, and has been very popular to Belgians and tourists since. Bringing the best of Belgium to the world is a mission we support at Brussels Airlines.
“The Atomium is already visible in our uniforms, and our logo with nine dots is a nod to this iconic landmark. Making the Atomium the next Belgian Icon therefore feels like an excellent choice.”
