Brussels Airlines Wants Belgians To Help Design Its Most Belgian Icon Livery Ever

Brussels Airlines

has announced that it is launching a new campaign in an attempt to get its local public to decide on its brand-new special livery, whose entry-into-service is planned in March 2025. This is part of the carrier’s Belgian Icons series, which currently comprises three aircraft of which one Airbus A320neo. They each have a unique, Belgium-inspired paint scheme and adorn the carrier’s A320 family fleet. This time it will be more Belgian than ever as the carrier puts it to the local population to decide on the livery.

The contest

The new campaign will allow anyone who lives in Belgium or those who hold Belgian nationality to participate. Those taking part must be over the age of 16. According to the campaign, the livery will feature on an A320, in line with historic and existing Belgian Icons. Michel Moriaux, Head of Marketing at Brussels Airlines, said:

“The design has to be something Belgium is known for, and Belgians are proud of, without entering too much into clichés. The next Belgian Icon will not feature beer, fries, or waffles, for example, but we love to showcase our culture, nature or history. As with all our previous Belgian Icons, the design must have a ‘wow-factor’ and inspire people to visit Belgium.”

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Participants will first need to download the aircraft template on the carrier’s website, and then follow the “existing Belgian Icons for inspiration.” The livery cannot use brands, food, and drinks, meaning it could instead focus on art, architecture, and more. The third step reads as follows:

“Create a whole new design with a Belgian twist. Something we’re all proud of. And above all, let your design tell a story, from nose to tail.”

The contest deadline is September 27, 2024. A Brussels Airlines jury will vote internally before the decision is made public at the beginning of October. When asked by Simple Flying, an airline spokesperson told us that the livery will enter into service in March 2025. The spokesperson added:

“Once the winning design is chosen, the designer will work with our teams to translate the design into an actual plan for the painters.”

Tomorrowland launched earlier this year

At the end of April, the Belgian flag carrier unveiled its new Tomorrowland livery on its second Airbus A320neo, delivered to the airline just a few months earlier. It commemorates its partnership with the world-famous music festival. The aircraft is registered OO-SBB, with the paint scheme named Amare. In today’s statement, the airline said the following about its special liveries:

“The Belgian Icons remain some of the most photographed airplanes in the world and are an important way for Brussels Airlines to bring its Belgitude to the world.

The idea behind the Belgian Icons is to introduce the best of Belgium to the world. The Belgian Icons are known all over the world and make flying even more fun.”

History of the liveries

Overall the last couple of years, the carrier has withdrawn a few of its Icons. Previously operating a fleet of six at its peak a few years ago, it now has only three still in service. When asked by Simple Flying in April, the airline told us that it remained committed to the “beautiful tradition,” a statement backed by today’s preparations for the newest member next year. Here is a list of the current Icons.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Here is a list of the airline’s historic Icons.