Southwest Airlines today
showed the State of Maryland a symbol of true “LUV!” The airline unveiled
Maryland One, a 737 emblazoned with an artist’s rendering of the Maryland
flag. Southwest Airlines’ top leadership celebrated today with the State
of Maryland and the Maryland Aviation Administration.“We are thrilled to honor Maryland with this beautiful aircraft; it is
truly a testament to the great relationship we have developed with our
Baltimore/Washington Customers and a tribute to our Employees,” said
Colleen Barrett, Southwest Airlines President. “Our pride for Maryland
will now fly high over the 60 cities Southwest serves.”

Since beginning service to Maryland at Baltimore/Washington International
Airport in 1993, Southwest Airlines has grown from eight to 164 daily
nonstop departures. As Southwest Airlines has increased its flights, it
also has increased its need for space. Last month, Southwest celebrated
the opening of BWI’s newest terminal, Terminal A/B. The new terminal not
only offers brand new gates, it also offers a state-of-the-art baggage
system, 11 security lanes dedicated solely to Southwest Airlines, a new
ticket counter, and new concessions.

“Southwest’s success at BWI would not have been possible without the sum
of many parts, and this beautiful aircraft is a result of our collective
hard work,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have
a great partnership with the State of Maryland and the Maryland Aviation
Administration. Together we have all given our Maryland Customers a high-
quality travel experience and low fares.”

Barrett and Kelly hosted more than 200 community leaders today, including
Maryland’s Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Maryland’s Secretary of
Transportation Robert L. Flanagan, and Maryland Aviation Administration
Executive Director, Paul Wiedefeld. Attendees waved Maryland flags, took
photos with historical impersonators, and watched Maryland One make its
first fly-by at Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Gov. Ehrlich,
Gary Kelly, Colleen Barrett, and Southwest Executive Chairman Herb
Kelleher closed the event by christening the aircraft and leading the
attendees in a champagne toast.

“Maryland One truly showcases the tremendous partnership that our State
continues to have with the Southwest family,” said Governor Ehrlich. “It
is a testament to the quality service that Southwest Airlines has provided
Maryland for the past 12 years.”

“This day is a source of pride for all of us at BWI,” said Paul J.
Wiedefeld, Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration. “We
stand together with the employees of Southwest Airlines to celebrate our
continuing relationship and growth.”

Maryland One joins ten other 737s in Southwest’s fleet that carry a unique
paint scheme: Arizona One, California One, Lone Star One (Texas), Nevada
One, New Mexico One, three Shamu aircraft (Sea World), Silver One
(celebrating Southwest’s 25th anniversary), and Triple Crown One
(recognizing Southwest’s top rankings for ontime performance, baggage
handling, and Customer satisfaction).
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