SN Brussels honours Belgium's favourite son

Ask most people to name a famous Belgian and they will almost certainly struggle. It may be the heart of the EU and produce some of the world's best beer, but in terms of celebrities, few have entered the international consciousness.

Few real-life celebrities, that is. For while 90s action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme is perhaps the only current Belgian household name, when it comes to creating cartoon celebrities, Belgium is second-to-none.

Tintin and the Smurfs are both comic-book legends. However, undoubtedly the most popular Belgian creation is Asterix, and the publication of his latest instalment is being celebrated by SN Brussels Airlines.

The low-cost carrier airline has turned two of its planes into giant Asterix comic strips, featuring scenes from some of his most famous Gaulish adventures.

One plane features Asterix being pursued by a Roman soldier, while the other depicts Obelix hunting a wild boar.

In addition, SN Brussels is giving out 6,000 Asterix and Obelix comics to younger passengers, as well as themed fun-packs.

The new Asterix livery is designed to coincide with the long-awaited publication of the 33rd instalment in the series, 'The Sky Falls On His Head', which goes on sale on October 15.

The planes will serve cities that are hosting Asterix events to celebrate the launch next month, including Lyon, London, Madrid, Berlin, Geneva and Rome.

However, the major celebrations will take place in the Belgian capital, Brussels, where author Albert Uderzo will oversee the construction of a Gaulish village in the Grande Place in the heart of the city.

SN Brussels flies to the Belgian capital from Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Jersey, London Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle. The Asterix jets will be in service for the remainder of the year.

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