Throwback: How Did Southwest Airlines Mark Its 30th Anniversary In 2001?

Summary Southwest Airlines celebrated its 30th birthday in 2001 in various ways, the biggest being a new color scheme with the addition of Canyon Blue. The airline also offered $30 one-way tickets to 30 destinations. Southwest held various gate area festivities and special travel packages in Las Vegas and California.

Southwest Airlines began operations in 1971. From the start, the airline has employed a unique business strategy that revolutionized air travel. Southwest focuses on providing affordable and accessible options for passengers with a fleet of just one aircraft type: Boeing 737s.

At the time of its 30th birthday in 2001, Southwest was the fourth-largest domestic carrier in terms of passengers. The airline devised various means to commemorate its birthday and success and reward passengers for their three decades of support. TIP: Read here to learn about the “Southwest Effect.

” Some of the chosen celebrations, such as major ticket discounts and employing a new color scheme, were huge. Others involved contests, games and prizes for passengers, and a birthday cake. New decade, new color scheme When Southwest first began flying in 1971, the airline wanted its look to reflect its origins in the southwest US.

The chosen color scheme—desert gold, warm red, and orange—quickly became one of the most recognizable domestic airline liveries. For its 30th birthday, Southwest decided to update its color scheme to reflect the airline’s new era. According to Herb Kelleher,.