Brussels Airlines and The Atomium have unveiled its latest Belgian Icon – dedicated to the Landmark in Brussels.
This was born from a contest launched in August last year, the winning design of architect Thomas Faes (Faes Architecture) was brought to life.
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.
The “Atomium” joins the lineup of Belgian Icons, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium in the air.
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 litres 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 been updated, 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.
Front passenger diveder
Overhead bins
Small details – look at the carpet.
Through the cabin
In Quotes
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.”
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, of Brussels Airlines said:
“Though the final decision wasn’t easy, looking back, choosing Thomas Faes’ design is the 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 in our uniforms. I am very happy to see our newest member of the Belgian Icon’s family joining our fleet for the coming five years.”
Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director, the Atomium added:
“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. Just as the Atomium has welcomed visitors from around the world since 1958, Brussels Airlines connects Belgium to global destinations daily. 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. We are incredibly proud to see the Atomium take flight and bring a piece of Belgium to every corner of the world Brussels Airlines reaches.”
Showing off Belgium
You won’t miss this aircraft.
OO-SNM (Airbus 320), arrived in Brussels early this morning from the painting facility and is set to embark on its first flight to Prague tomorrow.
Brussels Airlines could have just put paint on the aircraft and called it a day with the amount of work they needed to do.
But like other collaborations the airline has done in the past (your author is reminded of AeroSmurf), they’ve taken the idea “one step further”, adding details in the cabin from information, to the overhead bins, to the carpet.
Which is a little, but excellent touch.
Look out for this Belgian Icon in the air flying from tomorrow.
All images, Brussels Airlines.
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