Photos of the Week: Eye of the Beholder

When Southwest hit its golden jubilee birthday last month, the airline went all out to celebrate its 50 years of flight.

Here at PIT, they decorated ticket counters, baggage carousels and gates, activities they replicated at airports around the country. The airlines also threw a big party at their facilities in Houston, offered special fares for passengers, and more.

But the biggest birthday present was Freedom One, a Boeing 737-800 custom-painted with a giant, flowing American flag over the fuselage and wings.

This striking jet intended to honor the U.S. military moved some to tears, and the beautiful design instantly became one of the most distinctive custom liveries anywhere in the world.

We anxiously awaited its arrival at PIT. We knew the bright colors and graceful lines would be amazing to see in person on our airfield.

On July 16, we got our wish. And planespotter Lachlan Kerr did too, capturing this photo of Freedom One’s first visit to Western Pennsylvania.

Of course, not all beauty on an the airfield is man-made. While we can’t plant gardens or trees to naturally beautify the landscape around the runways, we can look upward to an uncluttered sky.

That affords us some brilliant sunrises and sunsets, like this one caught by Robert Siwik at Allegheny County Airport. Robert even managed to capture the moonrise in the same shot.

Aviation is beautiful, no matter where you look.

Thanks, Lachlan and Robert!

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.

As the sun sets, the moon rises over Allegheny County Airport. (Photo submitted by Robert Siwik)