Brussels Airlines' Tintin plane: On board the A320 Rackham

One of Belgium's most famous exports has returned for another adventure - thanks to Brussels Airlines.

A Tintin-themed plane has been unveiled by the carrier and the result is bound to impress fans of the comic albums and subsequent cartoons and feature films.

The Airbus A320's design is based on a shark submarine, built by Professor Cuthbert Calculus, that featured in Red Rackham's Treasure, an edition of the comic. It features an image of the title character, as well as his canine sidekick Snowy.

On the side of the fuselage it reads: "We fly you to the home of Tintin". On board there are more themed drawings.

The plane was decorated by Andre Eisele, who spent months on the project. It will remain in use until 2019.

"This aircraft is a dream come true," said Nick Rodwell of Moulinsart, the firm which manages the Tintin brand.

"Tintin is all about Belgium, all about Brussels, where he was born... Tintin is also all about adventure and travelling, and with this plane we bring our two worlds together perfectly."

Red Rackham's Treasure will be available for reading on board in Dutch, French and English language.

The Telegraph, London