Southwest Airlines Shows Its Love To The Show-Me-State: Unveils Missouri One

DALLAS, April 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) today celebrates more than 30 years of service in the state of Missouri with the unveiling of the Airline's newest specialty aircraft, named Missouri One—a Boeing 737-700.

Southwest and state and local government leaders revealed the aircraft in Kansas City, where Southwest first began its Missouri service in 1982. The aircraft, emblazoned with an artist's rendition of the Missouri state flag, was unveiled at a ceremony this morning at the Kansas City location of Aviation Technical Services, with whom Southwest has partnered for more than 35 years. Southwest Employees, community members, and executives were on hand, including Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.

"Kansas City and St. Louis have been vital cities in our network for more than 30 years," Kelly said to an enthusiastic crowd at the unveiling.  "I couldn't think of a better way to 'show' our love to our Employees, Customers, and friends in the great state of Missouri than by dedicating this high-flying salute to them!"

Further demonstrating Southwest's dedication to both the Kansas City and St. Louis communities, Southwest donated $5,000 each to Science City at Union Station and the St. Louis Science Center. The funds will help support Science City's Summer Camp, which sparks interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for children ages 6-12 through interactive, challenging, and fun activities, and contribute toward scholarships for the St. Louis Science Center's Flight Academy Camp. 

"We've always valued the enduring partnership between the state of Missouri and Southwest Airlines," said Governor Jay Nixon. "As a tribute to 30 years of quality service by Southwest and Missouri's proud aerospace legacy, this magnificent plane will showcase the Show-Me State's aerospace strength around the world."     

Kansas City band Lost Wax performed as attendees enjoyed local coffee from The Roasterie Coffee Company, and cheered as Kelly, Governor Nixon, and Kansas City Mayor Sly James closed the event by christening the aircraft amid fanfare. The plane then proceeded to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport for additional festivities, featuring Mayor Francis Slay.

In celebration of Missouri One, Southwest today launched a special three-day fare sale with fares as low as $59* one-way from both Kansas City and St. Louis to select destinations nationwide (see fare rules below). These low fares are available for purchase only at Southwest.com, Swabiz.com, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, today through April 17, 2015, 11:59 p.m. PT for travel Aug. 25 through Oct. 28, 2015.  Some blackout dates apply. See fare rules below for details.

Fare Examples:
Kansas City to St. Louis as low as $59 one-way
St. Louis to New Orleans as low as $99 one-way
Kansas City to Dallas (Love Field) as low as $69 one-way
St. Louis to Atlanta as low as $99 one-way
Kansas City to New York (LaGuardia) as low as $109 one-way
Kansas City to Phoenix as low as $144 one-way
St. Louis to San Francisco Bay Area (SFO) as low as $154 one-way

Southwest Airlines began service in Kansas City on Feb. 18, 1982, with six daily nonstop departures to two cities. The airline currently operates 68 daily nonstop departures to 26 destinations from Kansas City. Southwest began service in St. Louis on March 17, 1985, with 17 daily nonstop departures to four cities. The airline currently operates 88 daily nonstop flights to 34 destinations from St. Louis.

Kansas City International Airport is Southwest's 17^th largest operation in terms of daily departures. Lambert International Airport is Southwest's 13^th largest operation in terms of daily departures. Combining these stations, Missouri represents the 9th largest state in the Southwest network in terms of daily departures. Together, Southwest employs more than 550 people in Missouri.

Missouri One joins nine other 737s in the Southwest fleet that carry unique, state-themed paint schemes: Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Nevada One, and New Mexico One.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 94 destinations across the United States and six additional countries.  Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in June 2015; and subject to government approvals, service to Belize City, Belize begins in October 2015.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners.  Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply) to everyone, and there are never reservation change fees, although fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at Southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

Fare Rules:

Purchase from April 15 through April 17, 2015, 11:59 p.m. for the respective time zone of the originating city. Travel Aug. 25 through Oct. 28, 2015. Blackout Dates Apply: Sept. 3 - 5; Sept. 7, 2015. Travel not valid on Fridays and Sundays. Fares valid on nonstop service only. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not include September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per one-way flight. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away® Fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of week, but not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines®, so long as you cancel your reservations at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.  Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation.   Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime Fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed.  Offer applies to published, scheduled service only.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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