In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Southwest Airlines has announced a partnership with America250 and the launch of its newest Southwest America-themed plane, Independence One.
The new aircraft will join two other Southwest America-themed planes — 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 that Southwest has carried. They join our Freedom One aircraft in uniting families, bringing service members home, flying entrepreneurs chasing an opportunity, and helping communities stay connected,” said Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines, in a statement.
He added, “Southwest is proud to be a 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."
Independence One will feature several design elements that commemorate our nation:
- Red, white, and blue paint scheme 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 inalienable rights endowed to all humans
- Thirteen stars on the fuselage denote the thirteen original colonies
- Circle of stars on each engine cowling reflecting the original Betsy Ross flag
- Special “1776” tail number
- America250 nose and winglet decal
Independence One will officially join the fleet on April 29 with its first scheduled flight from the airline’s hometown in Dallas, Texas, to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution
Additionally, Southwest Airlines partnership with America250 as the official airline of America Gives, joins nationwide efforts to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in our country's history. The airline will invest up to $250,000 to further support the nonprofits Southwest employee serve and amplify the reach of their volunteerism. The We Serve Together grant from Southwest Airlines is a commitment to build upon the more than 180,000 hours of volunteer service from Southwest Employees in 2025.
“As America marks 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, Chair of America250 in a statement. “Through initiatives like Independence One and America Gives, this partnership will help bring Americans together—across cities, states, and generations—in celebration and service.”
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