A new 737 MAX 8 was spotted sporting a retro livery while undergoing a test flight. This livery, known as the Canyon Blue livery, is a tribute to Southwest Airlines' heritage. This is the second 737 painted with a retro livery for Southwest this year. Boeing plans to deliver the airplane to Southwest as soon as possible.

Spotted on a test flight

The 737 in question is registered N872CB. The plane was spotted while on its most recent test flight, which occurred on Friday, November 11th. The flight started at King County International Airport (BFI), commonly known as Boeing Field, then proceeded to Grant County International Airport (MWH), located in central Washington. After this short cross-country flight, the young airplane returned home to Boeing Field. This was the aircraft's third flight.

Previously it flew the same flight for the first time on November 3rd. Before this, it underwent its first test flight on October 21st. This short flight took the 737 from the production facility at Renton Municipal Airport (RNT) to BFI. If all test flights went well and the aircraft passes all the necessary inspections, it will likely be delivered to Southwest within a matter of weeks.

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Second retro livery

The Canyon Blue livery is part two of Southwest's plans for retro liveries. Earlier this year, Southwest had a separate 737 painted with a Desert Gold livery to commemorate the airline's founder, Herbert D. Keller. The aircraft, registered N871HK, took its first flight from RNT to BFI on October 9th, only 12 days before Canyon Blue's first flight. It has since undergone three additional test flights, the most recent being on November 7th.

Southwest 737 8 MAX Herb Kelleher Tribute Livery at Renton Regional Airport
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The aircraft now resides at BFI with its Canyon Blue counterpart. These aircraft were initially scheduled to be delivered to Southwest and enter service earlier this year. However, following suit with other post-pandemic aircraft deliveries, these have been significantly delayed.

If these liveries look familiar to you, it's because they should be. Canyon Blue was previously worn by N266WN, a 737-700 that flew with Southwest from 2007. Desert Gold was most recently worn by N711HK, a 737-700 as well, but also by N52SW, a 737-200, before it. As old get replaced with new, Southwest is keen to keep up its tributes to the greatest influencers in its history, and so both liveries have been reborn on two of the airline's newest and most technologically advanced aircraft.

Heroine of the Heart

The Canyon Blue Aircraft will also be known as the Heroine of the Heart. The aircraft is dedicated to Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines. Barrett joined Southwest Airlines in 1978 and worked within the company until becoming the airline's president in 2001. At the time, she was also the airline's COO until 2004. From 2004 to 2008, she served as the airline's president. In July 2008, she retired but was granted the honor of retaining her title as Southwest Airlines President Emeritus.

Southwest Airlines President Emeritus Colleen Barrett in front of Heroine of the Heart sign
Photo: Southwest Airlines

The Canyon Blue airplane livery features a heart with Colleen Barrett's name on a ribbon covering the heart. This aircraft commemoration is a rare and profound honor.

What do you think of this new retro livery? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: FlightRadar24, BOE Family Flights

  • 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker
  • Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 San Francisco
    Southwest Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    WN/SWA
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1967
    CEO:
    Robert Jordan
    Country:
    United States