Southwest Airlines Special Aircraft
Southwest Airlines has a history of honoring the states and places on its route with uniquely painted aircraft.
Over the years Rich and Carol have flown on and witnessed some of these aircraft.
Over the years Rich and Carol have flown on and witnessed some of these aircraft.
Imua One
Its distinctive design features eight elements that represent concepts in Hawaiian culture that also align with Southwest values. The aircraft design features stars for each of the five airports in Hawaii Southwest serves: Honolulu, Lihue (Kauai), Kahului (Maui), Kona (Island of Hawaii), and Hilo (Island of Hawaii); six paddlers in an outrigger bring to life the concept of Imua; and six turtles in two groups of three to represent harmony and balance. A lei near the nose of the aircraft honors the unique Islands through their official flowers. And, in keeping with the traditional and distinctive colors in our Southwest Heart livery, including bold blue, warm red, and sunrise yellow, a gradient transition from blue to yellow represents the evolution from night to day and honors the Hawaiian history of journeying the Pacific using wind, and following the guidance of the sun, stars, and moon to navigate.
Rich and Carol flew Imua One from Detroit to St. Louis on February 18, 2024
Rich and Carol flew Imua One from Detroit to St. Louis on February 18, 2024
Louisiana One
Our New Orleans-based Employees go above and beyond to support the New Orleans community and take great pride in the important role they play in providing outstanding Hospitality. As the first state our carrier served beyond the Texas border, we are so grateful to be able to honor our Employees and Customers with this high-flying tribute. We began service to The Pelican State on January 25, 1979, with one nonstop departure to Houston-Hobby. Today, we are proud to be operating more than 70 daily nonstop departures to 29 destinations from New Orleans.
Rich and Carol saw this plane when they visited Maine in August 2021.
Rich and Carol saw this plane when they visited Maine in August 2021.
Jack Vidal
Southwest salutes Jack Vidal, our original VP Maintenance, by dedicating a plane in his name for recognition of 24 years of service and leadership.
Rich and Carol flew on this aircraft.
Rich and Carol flew on this aircraft.
Florida One
Florida One represents our ties to the Sunshine State since beginning service in January of 1996. We opened two cities on the same day back then: Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Tampa Bay. We've grown from 17 daily nonstop departures to 284 daily nonstop departures, and now carry 20 percent of all air traffic to the state of Florida. And last (but certainly not least) we begin service to our seventh Florida city, Panama City Beach, on May 23, 2010.
Rich and Carol saw this plan eon one of their frequent trips to Florida
Rich and Carol saw this plan eon one of their frequent trips to Florida