Partners celebrate with specialty aircraft, great fare deals, and community event.
DALLAS – Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment celebrate 25 years of partnership with the unveiling of the airline’s newest specialty aircraft, Penguin One -a Boeing 737-700 co-branded with images of one of SeaWorld’s iconic animals.
Southwest and SeaWorld revealed the aircraft at a ceremony this morning at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with real penguins, Southwest and SeaWorld Employees, community members, and executives including Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO Jim Atchison. The plane, filled with Southwest and SeaWorld employees, also made stops in two other SeaWorld cities, San Antonio and San Diego.
“SeaWorld has been an important partner to Southwest Airlines for 25 years,” said Kelly. “Penguin One is a natural addition to the Southwest fleet and a great representation of the evolution of our partnership and our mutual dedication to travel, tourism, and family entertainment.”
The partnership between the two companies dates back to 1988, which began when SeaWorld opened in San Antonio. Southwest and SeaWorld launched their partnership in a high-flying way-with the introduction of a new Boeing 737, Shamu® One!
“Our partnership with Southwest Airlines helps create memorable vacation experiences for families traveling to our SeaWorld parks,” said Atchison. “Today’s launch of Penguin One takes our relationship to new heights that will continue to benefit travelers for years to come.”
The featured penguin species on the aircraft is a gentoo, one of the species found at SeaWorld Orlando’s new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. The attraction includes a first-of-its-kind family ride that transports guests into the penguins’ icy world.
This morning’s ceremony celebrated the introduction of Penguin One in a spirited way as attendees waved black-and-white pom poms, enjoyed black-and-white-themed snacks, and cheered as executives christened the aircraft while SeaWorld’s Pete and Penny Penguin looked on.
Penguin One joins 12 other 737s in the Southwest fleet that carry a unique paint scheme: Shamu One, Shamu Two, Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Nevada One, New Mexico One, and Triple Crown One (unveiled in 1997, recognizing five years of Southwest’s top rankings for on-time performance, baggage handling, and Customer satisfaction).
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
