Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new patriotic-themed livery on a Boeing 737-800 ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
The 737-800 features the American flag on the scimitar winglets and a prominent “Honoring Those Who Serve” on the fuselage above the windows (the Alaska logo is below the windows in a muted gray). Beside Door 1L is additional text.
Honoring those who serve
To those in uniform serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honor you today and every day.
There’s also a logo below the flight deck window that states “Alaska Airlines Salutes Those Who Serve”. That text is written in a circular format with five stars and the slogan “Duty, Honor, Country” in the middle. That slogan (and the five stars) are a reference to General Douglas MacArthur and his Congressional farewell address in 1951.
Finally, there are four gold stripes around the engines, meant to signify the Navy rank of Admiral.
We’re “Honoring Those Who Serve,” one flight at a time. Today, we’re excited to unveil our latest military livery, symbolizing remembrance, pride and appreciation for those who protect our freedom. pic.twitter.com/KBnKYj8QLU
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) April 30, 2019
Alaska recently flew an “Honor Flight” from Anchorage to Washington National, bringing 23 World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans to Washington, DC for the first time. The pictures below are heartwarming: I am sure it was a very memorable trip.
Today at Anchorage International Airport, we hosted an Honor Flight and flew 23 World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials for the first time. pic.twitter.com/1QuUscgitr
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) May 1, 2019
Not to rain on the parade, but these sorts of displays technically run afoul of the non-enforced U.S. flag code, which states that:
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
I don’t think many people will be objecting to this, though…
CONCLUSION
As far as livery goes, I think this is a nice one. It’s also a nice nod to those men and women who were called into service and answered the call by serving so bravely.
This livery is expected to be in service for a number of years, so look for it an airport near you.
They are okay on the flag use even if the law were to somehow be enforced on this. Similar to AA and the former North American Airlines, the flag displayed is not only incomplete, it is not the actual US flag; count how many stripes are underneath the star section. It is more than six and therefore not a true American flag.
Saw this plane at LAX tonight
I thought this was old news but it’s not. The livery was first used on either a 737-900 or -900ER. This one is on a 737-800.
The thought is great. The design is not that pretty. Resembles US Airways.