The newest addition to the Brussels Airlines fleet is set to take off on its first commercial flight to Prague (Czechia) on Thursday morning. The aircraft is the latest addition to the airline's line-up of Belgium-themed planes.
The aeroplane was officially unveiled on Wednesday as a new 'Belgian Icon' in an event in Brussels. Over the last ten years, this initiative from the airline has committed to pay tribute to Belgian heritage.
"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 the Atomium's General Director, Julie Almau Gonzalez.
Credit: Brussels Airlines
The latest design was created by architect Thomas Faes. His work was one of over 900 designs entered by Belgian residents in a public contest launched last August. "There are many parallels between an architectural project and the design of an aircraft livery [...] I am incredibly proud of the result which blends elegance with modernity," said Faes.
The jury which picked the final winner was composed of famous Belgians, including musicians Alex Callier and Sandra Kim, artist Phillippe Geluck, designer Gabrielle.
Over 400 litres of paint
Making Faes' concept a reality required months of work to ensure that the design met the required technical specifications. "I will always remember the first 3D simulation," said Faes. "Equally unforgettable is seeing the aircraft in real life [...] I am incredibly proud of the result, which blends elegance with modernity."
Bringing Faes' design to life. Credit: Brussels Airlines
The painting process alone involved around 2,400 hours of work and over 400 litres of paint. The famous airbrush artist, André Eisele, was once again involved in bringing the Belgian Icon design to life.
The behind the scenes of the painting of the newest Belgian Icon. Credit: Brussels Airlines
However, the Atomium theme is not limited to the outside of the aircraft. The interior features original sketches and historical photographs from its construction in 1958 to the present day. The plane's carpeted floor and seats have also been decked out to embrace the theme of the iconic landmark.
Credit: Brussels Airlines
Iconic list
The list of Belgian Icons has been periodically growing since the launch in 2015. Today only four Icons, including the Atomium, are operational. This includes the Tintin-themed 'Rackham' plane, the 2022 'Trident' dedicated to the national football teams, and the 2024 'Amare', paying tribute to the world-renowned Belgian music festival Tomorrowland.
The retired Icons include the 2016 'Magritte', which paid homage to Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte, as well as the Smurf themed 'Aerosmurf', and the aircraft dedicated to Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Credit: Brussels Airlines
The reasons behind the decision to retire an Icon are varied and can be related to the age of an aircraft, the end date of an aircraft lease, or the relevance of the design, a Brussels Airlines spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
The latest Belgian Icon aircraft is set to depart Brussels at around 09:00 on its first commercial flight to Prague. It will be featured in the Brussels Airlines fleet for the next five years.
