Southwest is retiring its last Boeing 737-700 with Canyon Blue livery

Southwest Airlines has reportedly retired its last Boeing 737-700 aircraft with the iconic Canyon Blue livery, marking the end of an era for this livery. This news also represents a step in the airline's ongoing process of phasing out its older Boeing 737-700s.

Goodbye, Canyon Blue

According to Planespottters.net, the airline's Boeing 737-700 jet, registered as N786SW, was withdrawn from service on October 9, 2024 and was temporarily stored at Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) in Alabama, USA the following day.

In fact, the aircraft's last flight took place on October 10, 2024, from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta to Birmingham Airport (BHM). According to Flightradar24.com, the flight lasted about half an hour. The data also showed that the narrowbody was first delivered to the budget airline in October 2000 and was retired after 24 years of service.

Evolving brand

Over the years Southwest AirlinesThe livery continued to evolve and became one of the most recognizable among competitors. When the airline began its commercial journey in 1996, its aircraft wore a primary livery called Desert Gold. The primary colors of Southwest's livery included gold, red and orange.

Beginning in 2001, the low-cost airline switched from Desert Gold to Canyon Blue, marking one of the most significant brand changes in the U.S. airline's history. Although this bold color change helped Southwest Airlines stand out from the competition, it probably wasn't the most cost-effective decision. Such a transformation may have incurred significant costs despite the brand benefits.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at DAL Shutterstock_2334328187

How and why has Southwest Airlines' livery changed over the years?

From glittering gold to canyon blue, Southwest's paint job has been in for a “brilliant shock.”

The current livery, known as “Heart”, was introduced in 2014. The airline is currently celebrating a decade since the airline's visual transformation. This change was less dramatic compared to previous updates. The heart livery features three colors: blue, red and yellow, used to create Southwest's heart symbol.

Gradual retirement of the 737-700

Currently, the Boeing 737-700 fleet represents the largest part of Southwest Airlines' total fleet. According to ch-aviation, the airline operates a total of 366 Boeing 737-700s. However, with new orders for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 7 underway, Southwest has begun phasing out its older 737-700s.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 departing PDX Shutterstock_2488707771

Photo: Wenjie Zheng | Shutterstock

The retirement of the 737-700 was slower than expected Boeing has not yet certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft that will replace the airline's -700. Southwest currently has 286 Boeing 737 MAX 7s on order.

In addition to the 737-700 aircraft, the airline operates a total of 242 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and 205 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The 737 MAX 8s replace the older 737-800s, and the budget airline currently has 189 MAX 8s on order.