Interesting to see that Southwest is doing something for the 250th Anniversary, Didn’t expect them to introduce these liveries
- Updated: April 28, 2026
- Independence One celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
- The livery features quotations from the Declaration of Independence and other symbols of the American Revolution
- The aircraft will enter service April 29th
Southwest Airlines introduced its new special “Independence One” livery on April 27th, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The aircraft features large “1776” script as well as the phrase, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The 13 stars across the fuselage represent the 13 original colonies, while the circle of the 13 stars on the engine cowlings represents the original flag. The aircraft also wears an appropriate registration, N1776R.
N1776R pays homage to the Overseas National Airways DC-8 that wore a special livery and the same registration during the US’ bicentennial in 1976.
Tracking Independence One
N1776R is scheduled to begin flying passengers on April 29th, with service from Dallas to Philadelphia. The aircraft will operate in regular revenue service, but also participate in special events throughout the year celebrating the United States’ Semiquincentennial.
Liberty One also added to the fleet
Join the conversation
12 Responses
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Awsome! Great paint job! Thanks to all Southwest Employees and, of course, pilots!
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Just like that
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Awesome!!!!
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Love it! Beautiful livery!
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Wow, the 1776 airplane is spectacular. I would feel like saluting it when it takes off. 👍 🇺🇸
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Awesome Thanks Southwest
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Love this – thank you Southwest!
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This is great 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸!
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Why do Ian and Jason have such a downer on SWA? They could not bring themselves to say a positive comment on this new livery, one that everybody else loves. If it had been on a Delta aircraft, they would have been all over it.
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Hi Andy, thanks for your comment. I was actually quite positive on the livery. I think Southwest does a great job with their special liveries in general and did a fine job with Independence One. Some of our discussion centered on the critique of the livery by others, but I don’t want to confuse their comments with my own. Thanks again for listening and writing in!
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Why is this livery more American then American Airlines’ liveries😭? It’s also a good livery.
- Published:
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Ian Petchenik
Ian Petchenik’s love of aviation began at an early age growing up next to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. As Flightradar24’s director of communications and co-host of the AvTalk podcast Ian now gets to share that passion for aviation with millions of Flightradar24 users and listeners around the world.
Ian Petchenik
Ian Petchenik’s love of aviation began at an early age growing up next to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. As Flightradar24’s director of communications and co-host of the AvTalk podcast Ian now gets to share that passion for aviation with millions of Flightradar24 users and listeners around the world.
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