Brussels Airlines announced its newest Belgian Icon: the next special livery to join the world-famous series will be dedicated to the Atomium, an iconic landmark in Brussels. It was chosen out of more than 900 submissions. The winner of the design contest is Thomas Faes, a Belgian architect who wanted to honor the emblem of Belgian architecture. The Atomium was built in 1958 to represent the best of Belgium to the world, which closely aligns with the airline’s ambitions.
The design dedicated to the Atomium, was submitted by Thomas Faes (44), an architect living in Orp-Jauche (Brabant-Wallon, Belgium).
Brussels Airlines launched its quest for the next Belgian Icon in August, with an open contest. Over 900 designs were submitted. An internal jury selected 15 designs and opened a public vote. Over 50,000 people voted, and the top 5 was presented to an external jury, featuring Sandra Kim (Eurovision winner), Alex Callier (Hooverphonic), Philippe Geluck (Le Chat), Sandrine Corman (TV Host), Michèle George (paralympic athlete), Gabrielle Szwarcenberg (fashion designer), Elisia Poelman (painter), Griet Aesaert (designer), alongside Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg and Michel Moriaux, Head of Marketing. The jury chose the winning design.
Brussels Airlines will now work with Thomas Faes to transform his design into a technical drawing that can be painted on an aircraft, and to create a design for the interior of the plane. The result will be presented to the public in Spring 2025.
