Brussels Airlines unveils Atomium-themed livery
March 28, 2025
Brussels Airlines has unveiled its latest Belgian Icon aircraft, celebrating the Atomium, one of Belgium’s most famous landmarks.
The special livery, designed by architect Thomas Faes of Faes Architecture, was selected through a public contest and has now been brought to life on an Airbus A320.
The aircraft, registered OO-SNM, arrived in Brussels from the paint facility on Wednesday and was set to make its first flight to Prague on Thursday.
A reveal event was held in Brussels Airlines’ Maintenance & Engineering hangar, where media, guests, and employees gathered to witness the aircraft’s debut. The Atomium joins the airline’s series of Belgian Icons, a collection of aircraft liveries dedicated to celebrating the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The design was chosen following a contest launched last August, inviting Belgians and residents to submit ideas reflecting the nation’s identity. Over 900 entries were received, showcasing themes such as cycling, Art Nouveau, and comic book characters. Following a public vote with more than 50,000 participants, a jury that included singer Sandra Kim, musician Alex Callier, and artist Philippe Geluck selected Faes’ Atomium-inspired concept.
Thomas Faes, designer of the 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.”
