This week we’ve seen a few of the major airlines roll out their new airline liveries, celebrating America 250. First with Southwest Airlines revealing the newly painted “Independence One.”
Followed by the big reveal of American Airline’s new America 250 look.
I don’t mean to pick favorites here, but I think Southwest knocked it out of the park.
All this fanfare got me thinking about some of the airline liveries over the years. Some that have stuck around in my memory for decades. So what was the story behind them? And where did they go?
Shamu One (Southwest Airlines)
The Shamu One livery is still to this day my favorite. Shamu was a beloved orca; the star and face of Sea World.
There was controversy around Sea World breeding orcas leading up to and following the release of the documentary, Blackfish. Rightly so. Tugging of the heartstrings of whales in captivity, I get it. I mean, we had movies like Free Willy to make us blow through 4 boxes of Kleenex in one viewing. Sea World still keeps orcas on exhibit, but no longer breeding them.
Southwest Airlines made the decision to retire Shamu One in 2013, towards the beginning of the controversy.
One thing’s for sure… Shamu One appeared to be a fan favorite!
I’m proud to say, not only was I a pro at spotting Shamu in the skies, but did have an opportunity to fly on Shamu One.
The Simpsons (Western Pacific Airlines)
I still remember the one and only time I saw The Simpsons plane. I was waiting for my flight out of Las Vegas and The Simpsons plane was sitting at the gate next to mine. Because I was flying Southwest, I always thought this livery was a Southwest plane. But it honestly wasn’t until today that I learned it wasn’t!
Western Pacific was a Colorado-based airline, only having operated for 4 years in the mid-to-late 90s. Throughout their tenure, they managed a contract with Fox to essentially advertise for the franchise.
The Simpsons plane was certainly exciting to see, but I never had an opportunity to fly on it.
Salmon-30-Salmon (Alaska Airlines)
The name in itself is worth digging in for some more information. Here’s a livery I had never seen in person (at least that I can remember). Although I feel it would have stuck out like a sore thumb. “Look up in the sky! A flying salmon!!”
Alaska Airlines has been in service for nearly a century, carrying various names along the way. The airline is currently based in Washington State, by way of Anchorage, Alaska. And has since expanded services across the country, starting in the early 2000s.
The Salmon-30-Salmon livery was just recently retired in 2023, having been a classic livery for the airline since 2005. The Salmon-30-Salmon supposedly has made a comeback, but with a new design as a tribute to the Xáat Kwáani people (according to an official statement from the airline).
It sure would have been hilarious to see a flying salmon outside the aisles of Pike Place Market in Seattle.
American Airlines Nostalgia Series
Over the decades, American Airlines has had it’s run with mergers, takeovers, and even spin-offs. And what better way to pay homage than to create a retro livery to celebrate them all. Still seen in the friendly skies today, you can see retro tails like: TWA, US Air, America West, and even an airline dear to my family and me, Reno Air.
So, it’s America’s 250th birthday this year and we’re seeing a lot of companies celebrating in fun and unique ways. I do hope we continue to see exciting airline liveries from these airlines and more for years to come.
What was your favorite livery? Let us know in the comments below!