Tintin Takes Off Into Space: Brussels Airlines Unveils New Iconic Plane

Brussels Airlines' new aircraft, an Airbus A320, will begin commercial flights immediately, joining the company's Belgian Icons team with an interior and exterior design once again dedicated to the Belgian comic book character Tintin

Amit Cotler
published 13.02.26 | 10:32 | Updated 13.02.26 | 10:36

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines unveiled the new aircraft in the "Belgian Icons" series, a special series of liveries that pay tribute to the country's culture while showing ambassadorship for Belgium.

The latest addition to the fleet is dedicated to the comic book character Tintin. This is the company's second aircraft dedicated to the beloved character that, one of "Belgium’s most internationally cherished creations". The aircraft, an Airbus A320, has been designed to evoke adventures on the Moon and in space, and will make its first commercial flight today, February 13, to Milan Linate.

This is the second plane dedicated to Tintin in the series, following the success of the first, the Rackham. The new design was developed in collaboration with Tintinimaginatio, with the moon and space theme chosen from a number of creative directions. According to the company's announcement, the combination of aviation, exploration, and space, along with a clean, recognizable design language, made the choice natural.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

The two sides of the plane feature different designs, one showing Tintin and the moon, and the other displaying the supporting characters from the famous comic-book. A red-and-white moon rocket is embedded in the fuselage floor, creating an effect that simulates takeoff, flight, and landing. The background of the paintwork ranges from dark blue to black

Photo: Brussels Airlines

The interior of the plane also continues the space concept. The upper storage compartments are illustrated as a series of comic-book pages, depicting a rocket launch from Earth and a possible encounter with an asteroid.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

The design includes the handwritten quote by Herz, the creator of the original comic: “By believing in his dreams long enough, Man turns them into reality.” The floor rug, digitally designed by Lantal Textiles, includes a subtle hint to outer space.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

The "Belgian Icons" series showcases Belgian cultural icons around the world. The first aircraft in the series was introduced in 2015, and since then, fresh models have been added to it, dedicated to, among others, the Belgian national football teams, the Tomorrowland festival, and the Atomium statue in Brussels. Previous aircraft in the series have also been dedicated to surrealistic painter Magritte and the Smurfs.

And here are some of Brussels Airlines' previous planes: the Smurfs, the first Tintin plane, the Tomorrowland plane, and others.