Southwest Airlines Maryland One : A Tribute to the Old Line State

Southwest Airlines Maryland One: A Tribute to the Old Line State

Southwest Airlines is known for its special state-themed liveries, celebrating its connections to various U.S. states with colorful, eye-catching designs. Among these iconic liveries is Maryland One, a stunning representation of the Maryland state flag painted across a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737. Unveiled in 2005, this aircraft is a tribute to Maryland’s history and culture, and it’s one of the most recognizable planes in the airline’s fleet.

In this article, we’ll explore the story behind Maryland One, its significance, and what makes this livery such a beloved part of Southwest Airlines’ lineup.

The Origins of Maryland One

Southwest Airlines has a long tradition of creating special liveries to honor the states where it has a strong presence. Maryland One was introduced on June 14, 2005, to pay homage to the state of Maryland, particularly its bustling travel hub at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The unveiling was part of Southwest Airlines’ celebration of its growing presence in the region and its commitment to Maryland.

The Maryland state flag is one of the most distinctive in the U.S., featuring a bold design that combines the heraldic banners of the Calvert and Crossland families. Southwest Airlines took on the challenge of translating this complex pattern onto an aircraft, resulting in a striking visual that immediately catches the eye.

The Design of Maryland One

The Maryland One livery is a vibrant and intricate design that covers nearly the entire fuselage of the Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The state flag’s black and gold checkers and red and white crosses are meticulously painted to cover both sides of the plane, making it a flying representation of Maryland’s rich history.

• Black and gold checkered pattern: This represents the Calvert family, one of the founding families of Maryland.
• Red and white crosses: These represent the Crossland family, another important family in Maryland’s colonial history.

The livery is carefully designed to maintain the proportions and details of the Maryland flag while adapting it to the curved surface of the airplane, which is no small feat. Southwest Airlines worked closely with its design team and aviation experts to ensure that the flag was both accurate and aesthetically pleasing when applied to the Boeing 737.

Why Maryland?

Southwest Airlines has a major hub at BWI, making it a significant player in Maryland’s air travel industry. The state’s strategic location near Washington, D.C., and its robust economy make it an important market for the airline. In recognizing Maryland with its own themed plane, Southwest Airlines further solidified its commitment to the state and celebrated the deep connection between the airline and the local community.

Unveiling and Public Reception

The unveiling of Maryland One was a significant event, attended by state officials, Southwest Airlines executives, and aviation enthusiasts. The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with Marylanders taking pride in seeing their state’s flag flying high across the skies. The livery has since become a favorite among travelers, particularly those with ties to Maryland.

In the years since its unveiling, Maryland One has been spotted at airports across the country, often capturing the attention of plane spotters and aviation photographers. It’s one of the most photographed liveries in Southwest’s fleet and continues to serve as a mobile ambassador for the state.

A Symbol of State Pride

Maryland One is more than just a colorful plane—it’s a symbol of state pride. The design captures the unique spirit and history of Maryland, and for residents of the state, seeing the plane represents a connection to their home. For Southwest Airlines, it’s a way to celebrate its commitment to the communities it serves, offering a tangible expression of its deep ties to Maryland.

The Maryland flag itself is a symbol of the state’s colonial past and its unity after the Civil War, and its bold design has become a source of pride for Marylanders. By placing this flag on one of its planes, Southwest Airlines taps into that pride and gives it wings, literally and figuratively.

Southwest Airlines’ Tradition of State Liveries

Maryland One is part of Southwest Airlines’ broader tradition of creating special state-themed liveries. Some of the other well-known designs include:

• Lone Star One (Texas)
• California One
• Nevada One
• Arizona One

These liveries are part of Southwest’s unique way of connecting with the states it serves, turning their planes into flying billboards for local pride and culture.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ Maryland One is a tribute to the state of Maryland, reflecting the airline’s deep ties to the region and its appreciation for the local culture. With its striking design based on the Maryland state flag, Maryland One has become a favorite among travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. It’s more than just a plane; it’s a celebration of Maryland’s history, people, and the special bond between the state and Southwest Airlines.

Whether you’re from Maryland or simply a fan of Southwest’s special liveries, Maryland One is a reminder of the beauty and diversity that makes the U.S. such a vibrant place to explore by air.