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The End of an Era

mmillice
Explorer C

As with all relationships, sometimes things have to come to an end.  Times change, partnerships evolve, and many times we have to make a decision that is best for our business. That said, the NBA and Southwest Airlines were unable to come to a mutually beneficial agreement to extend our partnership.  It was a very difficult decision for both the NBA and Southwest as we felt that our eight-year relationship had a very positive impact on both of our businesses.  With our tough financial climate and limited resources, we had to make the tough decision to say goodbye to one of our dear friends and partners, and both sides agree—we’ll miss each other!

With this decision, we have to repaint Slam Dunk One.  It will soon be getting a new paint job, and though we’ll miss seeing Slam Dunk One flying around the system, we will still have a local presence with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics. Southwest Employees and Customers will still enjoy the fun, local events we have had over the years with these teams.

Rest assured your National Strategic Partnerships Team is busy working on some new and exciting partners that we’ll be sharing with you soon.  We promise to continue to keep the Southwest brand connected to the national brands that we all love so much. 

8 Comments
Josh20
Explorer C
Awww, sad to see this partnership end. Slam Dunk One was my favorite.
Chris_A_List
Explorer A
Maybe slam dunk one can be re painted as Touchdown One in celebration of your continued partnership withe the NFL?
scvfan45
Explorer C
It might be a stretch to make it work, but perhaps you can work out a partnership with Drum Corps International. www.DCI.org It's a fantastic activity involving music that runs every summer. Head on over to their site and look around. I've been supporting it for 20 years now, and wouldn't miss it for anything.
megan
Explorer B
I think it'd be fun to have a plane painted with peanuts on it and maybe with coke products on it as that is what you serve! Or maybe even encorporate your blog or something!
GCY229
Explorer C
It's a shame to see Slam Dunk One painted over. I glad I got a picture of it the last time I was down at PHL. How about giving it a "Pennsylvania One" or "Phillies One" paint scheme!! How about just some kind a special paint scheme.
Anonymous909
Explorer C
Have you thought about a soccer partnership? If the World Cup is here in 2018 or 2022, LOTS of fans will rely on Southwest to get to games all over the country! Start getting that familiarity going now...
MD-80
Explorer C
NO I LOVE THAT PLANE:(
David_Gonzalez
Explorer C
they should at least paint this aircraft with another special livery its sad that its just a no namer now