B737-700 Emblazoned With Artist's Rendering Of State Flag
This week, Southwest Airlines unveiled its newest
special-liveried aircraft, Illinois One -- a Boeing 737 emblazoned
with an artist's rendering of the state flag. Southwest executives
celebrated the high-flying tribute to the State of Illinois on
Monday, at an event in a Chicago Midway hangar with Governor Rod
Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, and its Chicago-based
Employees.
"We are thrilled to honor Illinois with this beautiful aircraft;
it is truly a demonstration of the great relationship we have
developed with our Chicago Midway Customers and a tribute to our
local hard-working Employees," said Southwest Airlines Chairman
Herb Kelleher. "Our pride for Illinois will now fly high over the
64 cities Southwest serves."
Southwest notes that since beginning service in Illinois at
Chicago Midway in 1985, the airline has grown from seven to 227
daily nonstop departures. As Southwest Airlines has increased its
flights, it also has increased its need for space. In 2004,
Southwest participated in the Terminal Development Project at
Chicago Midway. The expansion has allowed Southwest Airlines to
meet and exceed a promise of growth and has created an ideal
environment for offering the Legendary Southwest-brand of Customer
Service for Chicago travelers.
"Southwest's success at Chicago Midway would not have been
possible without the sum of many parts, and this beautiful aircraft
is a result of our collective hard work," said Gary Kelly,
Southwest's Chief Executive Officer. "We have a great partnership
with the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago. Together we
have all given our Illinois Customers a high-quality travel
experience and low fares."
More than 500 Southwest Airlines Employees and community leaders
celebrated the unveiling Monday at one of the airline's Midway
hangars. Attendees waved Illinois flags, took photos with a bald
eagle, which is featured on both the State Flag and the specialty
aircraft, and were the first to see Illinois One up close and
personal.
"This day is a source of pride for the State of Illinois," said
Governor Blagojevich. "Today, we stand together with the employees
of Southwest Airlines to acknowledge this high-flying tribute.
Thanks to Southwest, our state flag will fly from coast-to-coast
and our partnership will continue to benefit the people of Illinois
for years to come."
Illinois One joins 12 other 737s in Southwest's fleet that carry
a unique paint scheme: Arizona One, California One, Lone Star One
(Texas), Nevada One, New Mexico One, Maryland One, three Shamu
aircraft (SeaWorld), Silver One (celebrating Southwest's 25th
anniversary), Triple Crown One (recognizing Southwest's top
rankings for ontime performance, baggage handling, and Customer
satisfaction), and the NBA-themed Slam Dunk One.
The newest aircraft in the Southwest Airlines fleet required 26
people at Boeing, working three shifts over the course of six days,
to paint. Over 93 gallons of paint and 10 different colors make up
Illinois One.