Southwest Airlines has introduced a new special-livery Boeing 737 MAX 8 named Independence One to mark the United States’ semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, in 2026.
The aircraft, registered N1776R, features a red, white, and blue paint scheme with “1776” in giant quill script and the Declaration of Independence phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The plane will enter scheduled service on April 29, flying from Dallas to Philadelphia, birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, per World Airline News. It joins other Southwest aircraft honoring the milestone, including Liberty One and Freedom One.
Southwest Airlines described the design as celebrating “the ideals that continue to connect us.”
The livery includes stars representing the original 13 colonies and the America250 logo. The airline also announced its role as the official airline of America Gives, part of nationwide volunteerism efforts for the anniversary. Southwest committed up to $250,000 through its We Serve Together grant to support employee volunteerism.
The registration N1776R echoes a Douglas DC-8 operated by Overseas National Airways (ONA) during the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial. That aircraft also wore a patriotic scheme with red and white stripes, a circle of 13 stars on the tail, and “1776-1976” markings, per Yesterday’s Airlines.
Similar commemorative liveries appeared across the industry in 1976. Delta Air Lines painted aircraft with stars and stripes over its widget logo for the Bicentennial, reported the Delta Flight Museum. Multiple carriers participated in patriotic aircraft markings that year.
Southwest has a history of special liveries, including state-themed “One” aircraft such as Lone Star One. The new Independence One continues that tradition while tying into broader America250 initiatives. Other major carriers, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines, have also announced or planned America250-themed liveries.
The aircraft was painted in Spokane, Washington, after delivery earlier this year, per World Airline News. Spotters and aviation enthusiasts have shared images of the finished livery on social media.
Southwest operates primarily from Dallas Love Field and maintains a large presence in Texas. The debut flight to Philadelphia underscores the historical connection to the nation’s founding documents.
