I’m happy to report aircraft N409WN has emerged from the paint hangar in Spokane as Southwest's new Triple Crown One specialty plane, featuring both its original #1 heart medallion, along with our new Heart branding on its tail. Originally introduced on June 9, 1997, Triple Crown One was dedicated to the Employees of Southwest Airlines responsible for achieving five annual “Triple Crowns” for number one in ontime performance, baggage handling, and Customer Service (based on DOT reports from 1992-1996). The names of each of the 24,113 Employees are etched on the overhead bins in recognition of their individual efforts toward achieving the Triple Crown for five years running. With our Company's focus on Reliability and Hospitality, Triple Crown One stands as an important reminder to all Employees of how everyone’s individual contributions continue to make Southwest Airlines the world’s most loved, most flown and most profitable airline.
During a scheduled Maintenance visit later next month, overhead bin doors containing the names of the Employees who were originally part of this momentous accomplishment will be installed on our new Triple Crown One, just as they were in 1997. If you are one of more than 12,000 active Employees with us today whose name appeared on the original aircraft, you may find your name in a slightly different location on the bin doors due to the differences in design between our Classic and Next Generation cabin designs. The original overhead bins will be on special display at our Training and Operations Support facility in Dallas.