This year Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida are both celebrating their 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the companies have launched a special co-branded Boeing 737-700 livery design which will delight children of all ages.
On Tuesday (September 28, 2021), Southwest Airlines announced the launch of a special co-branded 737-700 livery commemorating the 50th anniversary of both Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The aircraft was unveiled at the Southwest Airlines Technical Operations Hangar at William P. Hobby International Airport in Houston. The celebration featured Cast Members from Walt Disney World who performed iconic Disney songs from Disney's treasured history, as well as “The Magic is Calling”, the official 50th anniversary anthem of the Walt Disney World resort. Mickey and Minnie also joined the party as the aircraft prepared to enter service with its first stop at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Aircraft Preparation - Courtesy Southwest Airlines/© Disney
In Tuesday’s announcement, Southwest Airlines’ Director of Public Relations, Brandy King, said,
“For 50 years, Southwest has connected our Customers to the people and places that matter most. Whether a Customer is flying to visit relatives in another state, close a business deal with a client, or experience a family vacation, we are honored to be a part of those moments. Celebrating 50 years of making memories during our shared milestone anniversary is at the heart of this magical collaboration with the Walt Disney World Resort.”
Also commenting on the collaboration, Disney Destinations’ Senior Vice President, Claire Bilby, said,
“As Walt Disney World Resort kicks off The World's Most Magical Celebration commemorating our 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring even more magic to guests' vacations and to the sky with the help of our friends at Southwest. Both Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines share an incredible 50-year legacy of creating exceptional vacation experiences and treasured memories for guests.”
In addition to the aircraft’s livery, the World Disney World Resort magic has been brought into the cabin, with overhead bins and window shades adorned with Disney Characters in ‘Earidescent’ treatment. The aircraft, tail number N954WN, will fly around the Southwest system through March 2022. Fans can track the aircraft and share photos using the hashtags Southwest50 and DisneyWorld50.
Additionally, the magic continues with the Southwest50 days of Giveaways sweepstakes, which will award a lucky winner and up to three guests a Southwest and Walt Disney World Resort package each day from September 28th through November 16th, 2021. Customers can enter each day at southwest.com/50 days for a chance to win a package that includes lodging, Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park tickets, a $200 Disney Gift Card and roundtrip travel to Orlando on Southwest.
Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World Unveil Co-Branded Commemorative Aircraft at William P. Hobby International Airport on September 28, 2021 - Courtesy Southwest/ © Disney
Celebrating their 50th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has distinguished itself by offering exemplary customer service delivered by over 56,000 team members. Southwest offers a robust point-to-point network with a strong presence across leisure and business markets. In 2019, the carrier served 130 million passengers. During peak travel seasons, the airline operates more than 4,000 daily departures to 101 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, based on the number of originating passengers boarded, Southwest has been the largest U.S. domestic carrier since 2003.
Source: Southwest Airlines