Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
Southwest’s livery has undergone several transformations since the airline launched in 1971. The original livery featured a desert gold, red, and orange color scheme, reflecting the company’s Texas roots. The airline’s early fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft prominently displayed the gold fuselage with red and orange accents along the tail and engine nacelles.
In 2001, Southwest introduced the “Canyon Blue” livery, which replaced the desert gold with a bold blue color. The design retained red and yellow stripes on the tail, offering a fresh yet recognizable appearance. The airline gradually repainted its fleet in this color scheme, maintaining its signature heart logo and commitment to a vibrant brand identity.
In 2014, Southwest unveiled its current livery, known as “Heart.” The design features a predominantly blue fuselage with the Southwest name displayed in large white letters along the forward section of the aircraft. A heart symbol, representing the airline’s dedication to hospitality and customer service, is prominently placed near the nose. The tail continues to showcase the airline’s signature red, yellow, and blue stripes.
The “Heart” livery was part of a broader brand refresh, which included updates to Southwest’s airport signage, digital platforms, and employee uniforms. The carrier retired its last aircraft with the “Canyon Blue’ livery last year.
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