SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA250 AND UNVEILS ONE’S INDEPENDENCE | News
Southwest Airlines Co. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding with the introduction of Independence One, a special new livery for the airline known for democratizing the skies. Independence One will join two additional Southwest® America-themed aircraft: Freedom One, which has been in the fleet since 2021, and Liberty One, a second newly introduced aircraft painted in an American flag theme.
“With our new Independence One and Liberty One aircraft, we honor this important milestone in our nation’s history and the generations of customers Southwest has carried. They join our Freedom One aircraft to unite families, bring service members home, fly entrepreneurs pursuing opportunity and help communities stay connected,” said Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines®. “Southwest is proud to be part of the 250th national celebration and to honor the same spirit of innovation, resilience and optimism that has shaped our country and our company.”
Southwest Airlines carries more travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹, connecting cities, states and stories across the country. Independence One will feature several design elements that commemorate our nation:
Red, white and blue livery with 1776 written in giant quill script
The key phrase, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” from the Declaration of Independence and the three unalienable rights granted to all people
Thirteen stars on the hull indicate the thirteen original colonies
A circle of stars on each hood reflects the original Betsy Ross flag
Special tail number “1776”.
America250 nose and wing sticker
In addition, Southwest Airlines is proud to announce its partnership with America250 as the official airline of America Gives, committing nationwide to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in our nation’s history. To support this initiative, the airline will invest up to $250,000 to further support the nonprofit organizations that serve our employees and expand the reach of their volunteer efforts. Southwest Airlines’ We Serve Together grant is a commitment to build on Southwest Employees’ more than 180,000 volunteer hours by 2025.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Southwest Airlines’ legacy of connecting people and communities reflects the spirit of freedom and opportunity that defines our nation,” said Rosie Rios, president of America250. “Through initiatives like Independence One and America Gives, this partnership will help bring Americans together – across cities, states and generations – in celebration and service.”
Independence One will officially join the fleet on April 29 with its first scheduled flight from the airline’s birthplace in Dallas, Texas, to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. On this day and throughout the year, look for tail number 1776 for special stops to celebrate 250 years, along with the America250 logo flying proudly on Independence One, Liberty One and Freedom One all year long.
