SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA250 AND UNVEILS INDEPENDENCE ONE IN CELEBRATION OF GIVING PEOPLE THE FREEDOM TO FLY FOR 55 YEARS

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Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) unveiled Independence One, a special-issue livery honoring the U.S. 250th anniversary, and announced a partnership with America250. Independence One debuts April 29 with tail number 1776 and will operate alongside Freedom One and Liberty One.

The livery features a red-white-blue scheme, “1776” quill script, the phrase “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” thirteen fuselage stars, Betsy Ross engine cowlings, and America250 decals. Southwest will invest up to $250,000 in a “We Serve Together” grant to support employee-nominated nonprofits and build on 180,000+ employee volunteer hours in 2025.

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Airline also introduces up to $250,000 'We Serve Together' grant for Employees and nonprofits they serve

DALLAS, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) 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 airline¹, 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 is proud to announce its partnership with America250 as the official airline of America Gives, joining nationwide efforts to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in our country's history. To support this initiative, the airline will invest up to $250,000 to further support the nonprofits our 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 proudly on Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One all year long.

To access broadcast-quality footage, high-res images, and photos, visit swamedia.com where you can sign up for ongoing updates from Southwest Airlines.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. By empowering its more than 72,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of December 31, 2025

ABOUT AMERICA250
America250 is the national nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America's Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest's Independence One (LUV) first enter service and what route will it fly?

Independence One (LUV) begins service on April 29, 2026 with a scheduled flight from Dallas to Philadelphia. According to the company, the aircraft will display tail number 1776 and make special stops through the year for America250 events.

What design features distinguish Southwest's Independence One livery on LUV?

Independence One uses a red-white-blue scheme with 1776 in quill script and thirteen fuselage stars. According to the company, it also includes the Declaration phrase, Betsy Ross-style engine cowlings, a special tail number, and America250 decals on nose and winglets.

How much is Southwest (LUV) investing in the We Serve Together grant for nonprofits?

Southwest is investing up to $250,000 in the We Serve Together grant to support employee-nominated nonprofits. According to the company, the grant aims to amplify volunteerism tied to America Gives and build on > 180,000 employee volunteer hours reported in 2025.

What is the nature of Southwest Airlines' partnership with America250 on LUV?

Southwest is the official airline partner for America Gives during the 250th anniversary year. According to the company, the partnership promotes nationwide volunteerism and features America250 branding on Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One throughout 2026.

Which existing Southwest aircraft will display America250 branding alongside Independence One (LUV)?

America250 branding will appear on Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One in Southwest's fleet. According to the company, Liberty One is newly introduced and Freedom One has been in service since 2021, all carrying the America250 logo through 2026.