Brussels Airlines unveils new "Atomium" aircraft

Brussels Airlines has revealed its newest aircraft livery, "Atomium," transforming an Airbus into a soaring celebration of Belgian culture. The stunning design, created by Belgian artist Thomas Faes, faithfully recreates the country's iconic Atomium monument across the plane's exterior in a breathtaking display of national pride. 

The ambitious project required 400 liters of paint and an extraordinary 2,400 hours of meticulous work by skilled technicians. Every sphere and connecting tube of the famous Brussels landmark has been painstakingly reproduced on the aircraft's fuselage, capturing the architectural wonder's distinctive silhouette against the sky. This flying artwork represents one of the most complex livery designs ever attempted by the airline. 

Christened as part of Brussels Airlines' "Belgian Icons" series, the Atomium-themed aircraft will commence regular service tomorrow. Passengers worldwide can expect to spot this distinctive plane at airports across Europe and Africa, where it will serve as a mobile ambassador of Belgian creativity. The design particularly shines when viewed from specific angles, where the painted spheres create an optical illusion of the actual monument floating in mid-air. 

Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg described the project as "a love letter to Belgian design and engineering." The Atomium joins the airline's collection of special liveries that celebrate national symbols, following previous tributes to Belgian comics and surrealist art. Aviation enthusiasts have already begun tracking the aircraft's scheduled debut flight, with many planning trips specifically to photograph this unique addition to the skies.