Brussels Airlines launches new space-themed Tintin aircraft for its Belgian Icon series

Belgian boy reporter Tintin embarks on another globetrotting adventure thanks to Brussels Airlines’ new aircraft celebrating his lunar exploits.

The timeless legacy of Hergé’s famous comic-strip character is honoured ahead of his centenary in 2029 in the airline’s latest Belgian Icon series of special liveries.

Inspired by Tintin’s famous adventures on the Moon and in space, it is the second time that Brussels Airlines has honoured Hergé’s universe following a previous aircraft featuring pirate captain Rackham.

The Belgian carrier unveiled its freshly painted aircraft (A320 – OO‑SNJ) ahead of an inaugural flight from Brussels to Milan on 13 February.

Each side of the aircraft’s fuselage bears a different design: Tintin and the Moon, as well as the hero’s trusted companions, Captain Haddock and fox terrier Snowy. A moon-rocket is also painted on its belly to create the effect of it actually taking off and landing. The background colour of the livery is a gradual progression from midnight blue to black.

The Tintin theme continues inside the aircraft. Overhead compartments in the cabin feature a sequence of comic book-like visuals that tell the story of the rocket taking off from Earth and risking an encounter with an asteroid. It is framed by Hergé’s handwritten quote: “A force de croire en ses rêves, l’Homme en fait une réalité (By believing in his dreams long enough, Man turns them into reality).” Meanwhile, the aircraft is fitted with a space-themed floor carpet.

The new design was developed in collaboration with Tintinimaginatio, the company that manages Hergé’s work. It emerged as a frontrunner due to its visually striking imagery and thematic connection to the world of aviation, said the airline.

“With this new aircraft, we deepen that legacy and strengthen our mission to showcase Belgian creativity around the world,” added Brussels Airlines chief executive Dorothea von Boxberg.

“We actually see this as the first step towards celebrating the 100th Anniversary of TINTIN on 10 January 2029,” commented Tintinimaginatio chief executive Nick Rodwell.

The painting of the aircraft was carried out by Airbourne Colors, a long‑standing partner of Brussels Airlines.

It introduced its first Belgian Icon, Rackham (OO‑SNB), in 2015, and more than a decade later, it remains one of the most photographed aircraft in the world. The aircraft will continue in the airline’s fleet until 2027.

Previous Belgian Icons also include Magritte, Aerosmuf and Bruegel, as well as the new version of Trident - the aircraft dedicated to the Belgian Red Devils and Red Flames, the Belgian male and female national football teams. Other popular designs in the series are a second edition of Amare, a collaboration with the Tomorrowland festival, and Atomium, which was unveiled in March 2025.

Photos: © Brussels Airlines/Hergé/Tintinimaginatio 2026