Brussels Airlines’ new Atomium aircraft makes maiden commercial flight

Brussels Airlines’ new Belgian icon ‘Atomium’ aircraft took off for Prague from Brussels Airport on Thursday following a special ceremony to mark its debut.

The Airbus 320 (OO-SNM) dedicated to the Brussels landmark joins the airline’s fleet of Belgian Icons that celebrate the nation’s “spirit of creativity, innovation, and pride”, said the company.

“’Atomium’ proudly joins the prestigious lineup of Belgian Icons, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to showcasing national heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium into the sky,” it added.

After a competition launched in August last year, the winning design of architect Thomas Faes (Faes Architecture; pictured above) was chosen for the aircraft’s livery. The contest attracted more than 900 entries, which were whittled down to 15 finalists by a jury that included singer Sandra Kim, musician Alex Callier, artist Philippe Geluck and designer Gabrielle Szwarcenberg.

Faes was selected as winner because “his vision encapsulated the iconic building’s historical significance and timeless appeal,” said Brussels Airlines.

Its chief executive Dorothea von Boxberg said that in hindsight the design was a 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 of our uniforms.”

To transform Faes’ concept into reality, over 400 litres of paint and some 2,400 hours were required to complete the exterior design. Renowned XXL airbrush artist André Eisele, who has worked on all eight previous Belgian Icons, was responsible for painting the aircraft. The makeover was carried out at Airbourne Colours’ East Midlands facility in the UK.
 
The Airbus’s interior also honours the Atomium with original sketches and historical photos of its 1958 construction to present-day imagery.

 
"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,” said the Atomium’s general director Julie Almau Gonzalez.

“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,” she added.

Photos: ©Brussels Airlines