The world’s most famous fictional reporter has touched down in Barcelona. A Brussels Airlines Airbus A320, specially decorated with images of the comic book hero Tintin, made its inaugural landing at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport last Thursday, captivating aviation enthusiasts and fans of the beloved Belgian character.

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The aircraft, christened ‘Gravity’, arrived from Brussels ahead of its first two regularly scheduled flights to the Catalan capital, which are planned for this Sunday, March 1st. The plane is the latest addition to the airline’s “Belgian Icons” series, which celebrates national cultural figures on the fuselages of its fleet. This flying tribute to Tintin joins liveries honouring surrealist painter René Magritte, Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Brussels’ iconic Atomium structure.

A High-Flying Homage to a Lunar Adventure

A grand presentation in Belgium on February 12th unveiled ‘Gravity’s’ design, which meticulously draws inspiration from two of the most revered books in the Tintin series: Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon. On the exterior, Tintin, his faithful dog Snowy, and the irascible Captain Haddock float in weightlessness, clad in their iconic orange spacesuits.

Attention to detail extends across the Airbus A320 (registration OO-SNJ). Tintin’s creator, Hergé, has his signature emblazoned on the engine cowling. Additionally, the distinctive red-and-white checkered lunar rocket adorns the aircraft’s belly. The fuselage also proudly carries the slogan, “We take you to the home of Tintin.”

Inside, passengers enjoy further thematic touches. The overhead luggage compartments feature images of the famous rocket. Furthermore, a panel reproduces a handwritten dedication from Hergé to Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, which reads: “By believing in his dreams, man makes them real.” Bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson also flank the rear exit, set against a lunar landscape.

A Welcome Sight for Catalonia’s ‘Tintinaires’

The plane’s unexpected early arrival on Thursday, ahead of its scheduled services, has already created a buzz. It is the second Tintin-themed plane from Brussels Airlines, following the 2015 launch of ‘Rackham’, which depicts the shark-shaped submarine from Red Rackham’s Treasure and is set to remain in service until 2027.

The local fan community has warmly welcomed the new aircraft’s debut in Catalonia. “The plane is amazing, spectacular, it’s very well painted and chromed… It’s a total experience for a Tintin fan,” said Jordi Duch, president of the Catalan association of ‘tintinaires’, 1001. According to a report in El Periódico, the association boasts 460 active members, making it the third-largest such group globally.

“It fills us with pride that one of the first flights of this second Tintin plane comes precisely to Barcelona, the capital of such a ‘Tintinophile’ country,” Duch added, calling the aircraft a “fitting” tribute to Hergé.

Aviation photographers, known as ‘spotters’, remained alert, and at least one managed to capture images of ‘Gravity’ as it approached El Prat. In its short time in service, the plane has already become a sought-after sight, having visited Madrid, Milan, Prague, and Tenerife.

An Enduring Legacy Nears its Centenary

The launch of ‘Gravity’ comes as the Tintin legacy approaches a major milestone: the 100th anniversary of the character’s first appearance on January 10, 1929. Nick Rodwell, executive director of Tintinimaginatio, the company that protects Hergé’s work, views the new aircraft as a prelude to the centenary celebrations.

“We see it as the first step towards the celebration of the centenary,” Rodwell stated. The tribute is particularly apt, as aircraft feature prominently and Hergé drew them with documentary-like precision throughout the 24 official Tintin albums. “Planes are standard-bearers in his work,” Duch noted.

Brussels Airlines has confirmed it will deploy ‘Gravity’ across its entire European network. This means its distinctive livery will likely become a recurring, if occasional, sight in the skies above Barcelona. This will add another unique visitor to an airport already preparing for major events like the upcoming Mobile World Congress and a long-term, multi-billion euro expansion plan confirmed by operator Aena.