Freedom One took 14 days to paint using a crew of 8-10 people working per shift.As Freedom One approached Love Field, it followed the Federal Aviation Administration’s HERBZ navigational flight path to the airport, recently named in honor of Southwest Founder Herb Kelleher. The Pilots and Flight Attendants onboard are Employees who served in the military, and a military veteran dispatched the flight from the Network Operations Control facility in Dallas. Military Ambassadors are Southwest Employees who are veterans and military spouses and serve as a resource for the Company to foster inclusion for veterans and service members. Gary recognized our military men and women for their bravery and service to our country, saying “Freedom is the essence of our country, and giving America the freedom to fly is the essence of our Company. With 50 stars on the flag and 50 years of LUV, we dedicate our anniversary to Freedom.”Īfter the unveiling, Freedom One departed the Hangar, headed for Dallas.

Southwest and our People democratized the skies with friendly, reliable, and affordable air travel-giving people the freedom to fly.Īmong the Employees in attendance at the Rally were Southwest Military Ambassadors and members of the Military Council. Freedom One features the 50 stars and 13 stripes from the flag of the United States of America, and is the first Boeing 737-800 to join our unique paint schemes.*Īt an Employee celebration in Houston, Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly recognized Southwest Employees, who throughout our 50-year history have worked hard to earn Southwest’s place as the #1 Domestic Carrier. When Southwest first began flying in 1971, less than 15% of Americans ever had traveled by air.

Today, June 18, Southwest celebrates 50 years of giving people the freedom to fly and proudly unveiled Freedom One, a high-flying tribute to our nation, our military, and our Southwest Family of more than 50,000 Employees.

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