Belgium’s national carrier Brussels Airlines has unveiled a striking new addition to its fleet, transforming an Airbus A320 into a flying tribute to Tintin and the imaginative universe created by Hergé.
The aircraft, registered OO-SNJ, is the latest member of the airline’s celebrated Belgian Icons series, which highlights cultural symbols that resonate both at home and abroad. Its first commercial service is scheduled to depart Brussels Airport for Milan Linate on February 13.
Painted with scenes inspired by Tintin’s lunar adventures, the jet features a midnight blue-to-black gradient across the fuselage. Characters appear to float weightlessly, giving the exterior a sense of motion and lightness, echoing the themes of exploration and space travel.
The design was developed in collaboration with Tintinimaginatio, which manages the character’s intellectual property. Several concepts were explored, but the Moon and space theme was quickly chosen for its recognisability and emotional appeal.
According to the airline, the clean, minimalist palette allowed the artwork to stand out without overwhelming the aircraft’s silhouette. The result is a livery that balances storytelling with elegance, while still catching the eye on the tarmac.
Nick Rodwell, chief executive of Tintinimaginatio, described the project as a natural continuation of an earlier partnership. The first Tintin aircraft, known as Rackham, proved hugely popular among passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Rodwell said the new jet also forms part of preparations to mark Tintin’s 100th anniversary in 2029. “We accepted their proposition without any hesitation,” he noted, calling the aircraft the first step in broader celebrations of the comic’s enduring legacy.
For Brussels Airlines, the initiative goes beyond aesthetics. Chief executive Dorothea von Boxberg emphasized that comic art is central to Belgium’s cultural identity and remains a powerful ambassador abroad.
“With this new aircraft, we deepen that legacy and strengthen our mission to showcase Belgian creativity around the world,” she said. “It offers passengers a unique experience from the moment they board.”
Each side of the plane tells a slightly different story. One features Tintin alongside the iconic moon rocket, while the other includes Snowy and Captain Haddock. The asymmetrical approach avoids clutter while maximizing character presence.
A playful detail appears underneath the fuselage, where the rocket is painted on the belly, giving the illusion that it takes off and lands with every flight. The effect has already drawn attention during ground tests and media previews.
Inside the cabin, the comic-book theme continues. Overhead bins display sequential images that resemble illustrated panels, narrating a journey from Earth to space. The design creates a subtle sense of immersion for passengers.
Bulkheads feature familiar faces such as Thomson and Thompson, while the flooring incorporates a starry motif. The atmosphere is intended to feel whimsical yet refined rather than overtly themed.
The aircraft’s painting was executed by Airbourne Colors, a long-time partner of the airline. Specialists spent days applying layers of precision artwork to ensure durability at cruising altitude.
The Tintin jet becomes the latest in a growing roster of Belgian Icons. Previous designs have paid tribute to the Atomium, Belgian football teams, and cultural landmarks, reinforcing the carrier’s branding as a cultural storyteller.
By blending aviation with art, Brussels Airlines hopes to turn routine travel into something memorable. For many travelers, the sight of the moon rocket on the runway may be as exciting as the destination itself.
As the aircraft prepares for its maiden commercial flight, the airline expects strong interest from both comic fans and plane spotters. For Belgium’s beloved young reporter and his companions, the next adventure now takes place above the clouds.
