Southwest Airlines joins Walt Disney World Resort with a co-branded commemorative aircraft, as each company celebrates a 50th anniversary in 2021. The Boeing 737-700 features 50th anniversary logos of both Southwest Airlines and Disney World and is emblazoned with a treatment created by Disney World for its milestone celebration.
"For 50 years, Southwest has connected our customers to the people and places that matter most," says Brandy King, director, public relations, Southwest Airlines. “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."
The unveiling of the co-branded aircraft at the Southwest Airlines Technical Operations Hangar at William P. Hobby International Airport in Houston featured Cast Members from Walt Disney World Resort performing songs that celebrate Disney history, as well as "The Magic is Calling," an anthem to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse joined the event to celebrate the collaboration and send the aircraft into service with its first stop at Orlando International Airport.
"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," says Claire Bilby, senior vice president, Disney Destinations. "Both Walt Disney World Resort and Southwest Airlines share an incredible 50-year legacy of creating exceptional vacation experiences and treasured memories for guests."
This special promotional aircraft also brings Walt Disney World Resort into the interior, as overhead bins and window shades show Disney characters in the treatment. The aircraft will fly around the Southwest system through March 2022. Fans can track the aircraft (tail number N954WN) and share photos using #Southwest50 and #DisneyWorld50.