Southwest Airlines Releases Shark Week-Themed Aircraft For Takeoff This Summer

DALLAS—Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Discovery Channel are teaming up once again to bring television's most anticipated summer event, Shark Week, to new heights. Today, Southwest revealed a Shark Week- themed 737-700 aircraft with an all new, larger-than-life underwater scene depicting five shark species along the fuselage. The plane will fly the skies as part of the Southwest fleet through Aug. 31, 2017, as millions tune in to Discovery's Shark Week airing July 23 through July 30, 2017.

Customers and Shark Week fans who spot the Shark Week plane throughout the summer are encouraged to take a photo and share it with @SouthwestAir and @SharkWeek, using the hashtag #SharksTakeFlight.

While Shark Week fans anxiously await the July 23 premiere of Shark Week, Southwest Customers are getting in on the jawsome action early. Continuing throughout the summer, Customers onboard WiFi-equipped aircraft can enjoy a pre-premiere episode of African Shark Safari through Southwest's onboard entertainment portal via the Shark Week ondemand Channel. Customers flying during Shark Week can tune-in live via the entertainment portal live TV on Discovery Channel July 23 through July 30. Southwest and Discovery will also host a surprise takeover on a special flight to kick off Shark Week!

"Southwest is committed to connecting people to what's important in their lives," said Brandy King, Director of Communications for Southwest Airlines. "Our long-standing partnership with Discovery connects Southwest with the millions of fans around the world who tune in each year for the week-long phenomena that is Shark Week."

This exciting partnership with Discovery's Shark Week is an opportunity to celebrate the carrier's newest international destination, Grand Cayman, which Southwest serves with nonstop flights from Ft. Lauderdale. Want a bite of the nonstop action? Southwest and Discovery will send a winner and three guests on an adventure of a lifetime through the Dare to Dive Sweepstakes.  Customers and Shark Week fans can enter for a chance to win the Dare to Dive sweepstakes which includes roundtrip Southwest air travel for four (Government-imposed per passenger travel taxes of up to $150 per person are not included and are payable by each of winner and guest prior to travel), a $2,000 Ritz Carlton gift card, and a $1,000 Visa gift card for an aquatic adventure of the winner's choosing. To view the full rules and enter for a chance to win, visit Southwest.com/SharkWeek.

For images and video of the Southwest Airlines Shark Week-themed 737-700 aircraft, visit swamedia.com .

SWEEPSTAKES RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia age 19 at time of entry. Limit one entry per person. All fields must be completed. Approximate retail value of prize: $4,600. For complete details and Official Rules, visit www.Southwest.com/sharkweek. By submitting this entry, you agree to the Official Rules. By entering, information collected will be used in accordance with Sponsor's Privacy Policy at Southwest.com. Sponsor: Discovery Communications, LLC, 1 Discovery Place, Silver Spring MD 20910. Enter by July 31, 11:59 p.m. C.T.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 47th 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 54,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals.

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. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices 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 created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who 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 44 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 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
 
Media Contacts:
Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multi-media assets and other Company news
Media Relations Team: 214-792-4847, option 1

# # #