Southwest Airlines celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with the introduction of Independence One, a special new livery from the airline that is known for democratizing the skies. Independence One will join two additional 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. “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.”
Southwest Airlines carries more travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline (based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025), helping connect cities, states, and stories across the country. 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 denoting 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
Additionally, Southwest Airlines has announced its partnership with America250 as the official airline of America Gives, joining nationwide efforts to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in the country’s history. To support this initiative, the airline will invest up to $250,000 to further support the nonprofits its employees 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. “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 hometown in Dallas, Texas, to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Look for tail number 1776 on this day and throughout the year for special stops to celebrate 250 years along with the America250 logo flying on Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One all year long.
To learn more, visit Southwest.com/citizenship, America250.org
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