The key phrase, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” from the Declaration of Independence appears on the aircraft. [Photo: Southwest]

Southwest Airlines is celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary by introducing a special aircraft, Independence One, that sports a patriotic new livery. Independence One will join two other America-themed planes in Southwest’s fleet—Freedom One, which has been in the fleet since 2021, and Liberty One, a second newly introduced aircraft painted in an American flag theme.

Independence One will officially join the fleet Wednesday with a flight from the airline’s hometown in Dallas to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Southwest Airlines President & CEO Bob Jordan said the launch of the two new planes honors “this important milestone in our nation’s history, and the generations of customers that Southwest has carried.”

Independence One has been added to Southwest’s fleet on Wednesday with a flight from Love Field to Philadelphia. [Photo: Southwest]

“They join our Freedom One aircraft in uniting families, bringing service members home, flying entrepreneurs chasing an opportunity, and helping communities stay connected,” Jordan added in a statement. “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 said it carries more travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline, helping connect cities, states, and people across the country.

Patriotic livery celebrating America’s 250th birthday

A circle of stars on each engine cowling reflects the original Betsy Ross flag. [Photo: Southwest]

Per Southwest, here are the special U.S.A. design elements featured on Independence One:

  • 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

 

Southwest said that tail number 1776 will make special stops this year to celebrate 250 years, along with the America250 logo flying proudly on Independence One, Liberty One, and Freedom One all year long.

Partnering with America250 to boost volunteerism

Southwest Airlines also announced its partnership with America250 as the official airline of America Gives, a nationwide initiative to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history. To support this effort, the airline will invest up to $250,000 to the nonprofits its employees serve, boosting the impact 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, the airline said.

“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.”

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R E A D   N E X T

  • In the newly created role, Sabrina Callahan will help shape the strategic path for Southwest’s marketing and digital strategy, enhancing the relationship between the airline’s customers and its brand in an “authentic, distinctly Southwest way,” the airline said.

  • Little Elm’s Sachchit Balamurugan, an incoming senior at TOPS, flew to Japan Friday to present his ACC cancer detection app at the International Young Researchers’ Conference. He’s also won first place at a BPA national mobile app competition, won an award at the NASA Space App Challenge, started a nonprofit called Youth Opportunities in Tech Innovation—and done lots, lots more.

  • Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program “celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities,” EY said. Here’s who made this year’s Southwest finalists list.

  • The State of Entrepreneurship brings together industry leaders and founders for an evening of insight, inspiration, connection. and awards presentations. Attendees will explore emerging trends, address key challenges facing entrepreneurs today, and discover new opportunities shaping North Texas’s startup ecosystem, The DEC Network said.

  • Companies on the 2026 Inc. Regionals: Southwest list were ranked according to their percentage growth over two years, from 2022 to 2024. Three North Texas companies—JobTread Software, 3DG Partners, and Maverick Power—cracked the Top 10, with JobTread making the Top 5.