Lone Star One, a 737-300 that was one of Southwest Airlines first uniquely liveried planes, has been retired.
Southwest Airlines announced this week that one of its special 737s would be retired. Lone Star One, N352SW, a 737-300, has been pulled out of service.
The plane made its debut in November 1990 and was the first Southwest aircraft to feature a state flag – the Texas state flag, in recognition of its home state.
The plane is retiring but the airline said that a new Lone Star One will make its debut later this summer. This time on a 737-700NG aircraft.
The Dallas-based airline has a rich history in distinctive color schemes for selected planes in its fleet. Southwest’s first special livery aircraft made its debut on May 23, 1988. The 737-300 (N334SW) was painted as a Killer Whale from nose to tail, in partnership with Sea World of Texas.
The Lone Star livery was second in line. The airline has partnered with the NBA, Sports Illustrated for its swimsuit issue and has celebrated the states it serves with state-flag liveries.
Boston Airborne posted a video of it flying in the Northeast just 10 months ago. Today, it is at its final resting place in Tuscon, Arizona waiting to be parted out and cut for scrap.