Two Southwest 737s Remain in Legacy ‘Canyon Blue’ Livery

The airline has gradually been phasing out the 2001 paint scheme.

A Southwest 737-700 in the ‘Canyon Blue’ livery. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ Planes ]April 18, 2024 3:29 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Southwest will soon bid farewell to the two remaining Boeing 737s in its legacy ‘Canyon Blue’ livery. The third to last aircraft bearing this livery – N762SW – was retired on April 14 at a Birmingham, Ala. storage facility.

The affectionately named ‘Canyon Blue’ design was first unveiled in 2001 as part of a brand shake-up from the 53-year-old airline’s original ‘desert gold’ colors.

In September 2014, the Dallas-based airline pivoted away from the ‘Canyon Blue’ livery on its fleet. The carrier unveiled a new livery, which was first rolled out on a 737-800 named ‘Heart One.’

Southwest unveiled its current livery in 2014. (Photo: Stephen M. Keller | Southwest Airlines)

After unveiling this new paint scheme, Southwest slowly updated its fleet in the new colors. With some of its older 737-700 series aircraft set to be retired, a handful remained in the previous design.

Currently, both N7813P and N786SW remain in the ‘Canyon Blue’ design. According to a Reddit post, these two-decade-old aircraft are set to be retired in October 2024.

Although no 737 MAX 8s were ever originally painted in the ‘Canyon Blue’ design, Southwest recently repainted one with a retro livery, which is registered as N872CB. The carrier also has a retro livery for the ‘desert gold’ design on N871HK.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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