Brussels Airlines, in proud collaboration with the Atomium, has introduced its newest Belgian Icon dedicated to the renowned landmark on an Airbus A320 (OO-SNM). First commercial flight after painting was to Prague on March 27th, and OO-SNM also landed in Tolouse on March 28th.
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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.
From contest to 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.
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 has also been refreshed, 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.
