Southwest Airlines' Independence One lands in Philly

There’s few things more American than airplane flight.

After all, the Wright Brothers were the first to fly a heavier than air, power controlled machine in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

What then could be better to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday than a jet decked out in a paint scheme intended to recall the country’s creation in 1776?

Southwest Airlines did just that on Wednesday when Independence One, which is Southwest Flight 1253, landed at the Philadelphia International Airport on a trip that originated in Dallas, Texas.

During it’s landing in the City of Brotherly Love, officials with Southwest said, the aircraft received a special water cannon reception from the Philadelphia International Airport’s Fire Department.

Along with Independence One, which has been part of Southwest Airlines’ fleet since 2021, the airline will also operate Liberty One, a newly introduced aircraft that will feature an American flag themed paint job as well as the already in service, Freedom One plane.

“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, the president and chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines, 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.”

Independence One, the airline said, features a new paint job that includes:

• A 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

The planes will be in use throughout the year, officials said.