As of today, Brussels Airlines has two Tintin aircraft in service, though this will be temporary. The airline is introducing a new themed aircraft based entirely on the characters from the famous comic series by artist Hergé.
The first Tintin aircraft, which was also Brussels Airlines’ very first themed aircraft in 2015, will be removed from the fleet next year.
‘Rackham’, as the first Tintin aircraft was named, and which is painted on the outside with the shark submarine from the comic book ‘Red Rackham’s Treasure’, will thus disappear from the fleet in 2026.
However, as it was not an option for Brussels Airlines and Tintinimaginatio, which protects and promotes the work of Hergé, to no longer have a Tintin aircraft, a new painting was designed.
The new themed aircraft, an Airbus A320 (OO-SNJ), is named ‘Gravity’ and is inspired by Tintin’s moon and space adventures. “They represent adventure, pushing boundaries, reaching new heights, and doing unexpected things,” says Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg.
“And comic art is an essential part of Belgium’s cultural identity, and Hergé’s work continues to inspire people around the world.”
The dark blue to black exterior features Tintin and the moon on one side and Captain Haddock and dog Bobby on the other, floating around in orange space suits just like Tintin.
Tintin’s famous red and white rocket, from the comics ‘Explorers on the Moon’ and ‘Man on the Moon’) is depicted on the underside. Inside, there are also many references to the comic series. Among others, the detectives Thomson and Thompson make an appearance.
Five ‘Belgian Icons’
The first commercial flights of ‘Gravity’, which Tintinimaginatio also sees as the first step towards celebrating the 100th Anniversary of TINTIN on the 10th of January 2029, are scheduled for today. The first flight is expected to be for passengers traveling to Milan, which departed from Brussels Airport at 10:25 a.m.
Brussels Airlines currently has five ‘Belgian Icons’, as the themed aircraft are called. In addition to the two Tintin aircraft, there are also ‘Atomium’, the Tomorrowland aircraft ‘Amare’ and ‘Trident’, the official aircraft of the Red Devils and the Red Flames.
