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.

FMI: www.southwest.com/