Photo of the Week: Freedom One Spotted at PIT

Special edition aircraft liveries often commemorate something, well, special.

Southwest, for example, flies a dozen liveries that celebrate state flags important to the airline’s past. Sometimes, though, special liveries celebrate an idea.

For example, Chuck Belczyk spotted this Boeing 737-800 taxiing at Pittsburgh International Airport with a livery tribute to an overarching idea central to Americans: freedom.

Southwest unveiled Freedom One in 2021 in celebration of the airline’s 50th anniversary. The design is meant as a tribute to members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, which the airline says includes approximately 8,000 employees.

The American flag design—Southwest’s first 800 with a special livery—was meant to evoke the idea of freedom to align with the anniversary date, linking freedom with 50 years of the freedom to travel, The Points Guy reported. Freedom One features all 13 stripes and 50 stars of the American flag.

Chuck’s shot captured it against a brilliant orange and red sunrise in Pittsburgh. Thanks, Chuck!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.