Southwest Airlines Unveils Maryland One, Southwest's Newest Specialty Aircraft; Airline Honors the State of Maryland on Flag Day
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB via PR Web
Direct) June 14, 2005 -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) 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. For aircraft photo, click: http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/050614_maryland_one.html
"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).
Baltimore/Washington International Airport is Southwest's third largest
operation in terms of daily departures. The airline is currently hiring ramp and
provisioning agents for its BWI operation. Southwest Airlines, the nation's
largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 60
airports in 31 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates nearly
3,000 flights a day and has 31,000+ Employees systemwide.
http://www.southwest.com
Note to Editors: To receive
future releases automatically via e-mail, sign up for e-mail news alerts at http://www.southwest.com .
Just click on "About SWA" and "Press Releases."
Media Contact:
Public Relations of Southwest
Airlines
+1-214-792-4847
Customers:
+1-800-I-FLY-SWA or
+1-800-435-9792
en Espanol:
+1-800-VAMONOS or +1-800-826-6667
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb251351.htm