Brussels Airlines Unveils New Tintin in Space Aircraft Livery

This article is based on an official press release from Brussels Airlines.

Brussels Airlines Reveals New “Tintin in Space” Livery as Latest Belgian Icon

Brussels Airlines has officially unveiled its newest “Belgian Icon” Commercial-Aircraft, marking a return to one of the nation’s most beloved cultural exports: The Adventures of Tintin. In a press release issued on February 12, 2026, the Airlines introduced an Airbus A320, registered as OO-SNJ, featuring a striking livery dedicated to Hergé’s Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon.

This is the second aircraft in the airline’s history to feature the famous reporter, following the immense popularity of the “Rackham” submarine livery introduced in 2015. According to the airline, the new design depicts Tintin and his companions in deep space, celebrating the spirit of exploration and dreaming big. The aircraft is scheduled to make its inaugural flight to Milan Linate on February 13, 2026.

Design Details: A Lunar Atmosphere

The new livery was developed in partnership with Tintinimaginatio (formerly Moulinsart) and painted by Airbourne Colors. The design is distinct from previous icons, utilizing a dark color palette to simulate the vacuum of space.

Exterior Livery

According to the official announcement, the fuselage features a gradient background transitioning from midnight blue to black. Against this backdrop, characters including Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock are depicted floating in weightlessness. The airline noted that the designs on the port and starboard sides differ, allowing for the inclusion of more characters without overcrowding the visual composition.

A standout feature of the design is located on the aircraft’s underbelly. Brussels Airlines stated:

“The iconic red-and-white checkered moon rocket is painted on the belly of the aircraft, making it visible from the ground when the plane takes off or lands.”

, Brussels Airlines Press Release

Interior Cabin Experience

The theme extends into the cabin, which has been styled to evoke a “lunar atmosphere.” The overhead bins feature a sequence of visuals that act as comic book panels, depicting scenes such as the rocket taking off and the risks of asteroids. The bulkheads feature other familiar characters, including the detectives Thomson and Thompson.

A handwritten quote by Hergé is also displayed prominently within the cabin: “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”).

Context: The Belgian Icons Series

The “Belgian Icons” series is a long-running initiative by Brussels Airlines to dedicate aircraft to key figures, events, or symbols of Belgian culture, effectively turning their fleet into flying ambassadors. The new Tintin aircraft joins a specific roster of currently active special liveries.

As of February 2026, the active Belgian Icons fleet includes:

• Tintin “Space” (OO-SNJ): The newest addition, unveiled February 2026.
• Atomium (OO-SNM): Unveiled in March 2025, featuring the nine spheres of the famous Brussels monument.
• Amare (Second Edition): A tribute to the Tomorrowland music festival (unveiled April 2024).
• Trident (Second Edition): Dedicated to the Red Devils and Red Flames national football teams (unveiled November 2022).
• Rackham (OO-SNB): The original Tintin aircraft featuring the shark submarine, which remains in service until 2027.

Previous icons that have since been retired include tributes to surrealist painter René Magritte, The Smurfs (Aerosmurf), and painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Strategic Significance

The decision to return to the world of Tintin was driven by the overwhelming success of the previous “Rackham” livery and the upcoming centennial of the character. Nick Rodwell, CEO of Tintinimaginatio, explained the timing in the company’s statement:

“We actually see this as the first step towards celebrating the 100th Anniversary of TINTIN… The Moon and space theme quickly emerged as the strongest choice as it is instantly recognizable.”

, Nick Rodwell, CEO of Tintinimaginatio

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, emphasized the cultural connection:

“Comic art is an essential part of Belgium’s cultural identity… We are proud to bring another iconic piece of Belgian culture into the skies.”

, Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines

AirPro News Analysis

The re-introduction of a Tintin-themed aircraft highlights a conservative yet highly effective marketing Strategy by Brussels Airlines. While the “Belgian Icons” series has experimented with various themes, from music festivals to architecture, the original “Rackham” livery remains one of the most photographed and recognized aircraft in the aviation world. By doubling down on Hergé’s work, the airline leverages a globally recognized intellectual property that transcends language barriers.

Furthermore, the timing aligns with the broader industry trend of “instagrammable” assets. The placement of the moon rocket on the belly of the aircraft is a specific design choice aimed at aviation photographers and spotters, ensuring the brand generates organic social media visibility during takeoff and landing sequences. This “Easter egg” approach rewards attentive observers and increases the likelihood of the aircraft going viral on aviation tracking platforms.

Sources:
Brussels Airlines Press Release
Aerospace Global News (Atomium Context)