Southwest Airlines® introduced a modern new look to its iconic brand today at an event dedicated to its Employees.
The airline proudly unveiled a new aircraft livery, named Heart, airport experience, and logo. The new look puts the airline's Heart on display, showcasing the strength of the nearly 46,000 Employees Companywide—whose dedication can be felt by every Customer each time Southwest Airlines connects them to what's important in their life.
The announcement of Southwest Airlines' modern new look introduces a striking new livery design, new iconic Southwest logo, newly designed inflight materials and magazine, an advertising campaign that celebrates the airline's unique personality, and a revamped experience both online and at its airport locations, all of which showcase the unique spirit and Heart of the brand, and communicate its focus on Customer care. In addition, the airline will introduce a refresh to its signature "DING!" mnemonic.
To bring this all to life, Southwest collaborated with advertising and branding partners GSD&M, Lippincott, VML, Razorfish and Camelot Communications—each an expert in their own field. The task was given to distill more than 40 years of rich history into one modern, impactful look, representing the exciting future of a one-of-a-kind airline.
"The job wasn't to change who we are," said Kevin Krone, Southwest's Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "We already know who we are. The job was to keep the elements of Southwest that our Employees and Customers love, and to make them a bold, modern expression of our future."
"With so much of Southwest's focus firm¬ly set on the future, it was a natural time to look at our visual identity," said Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
"As we developed the identity, it wasn't just about the new livery or the logo, but about developing the total, integrated brand expression of Southwest," said Rodney Abbot, Senior Partner at Lippincott.
"The Heart is our identity—the Heart of our Southwest Employees enhances the Customer experience," said Krone. "It's the finishing touch that makes the Southwest brand unique, demonstrating that Southwest cares about each and every Customer. Even on the belly of the plane, the Heart is a symbolic reminder that we put our Hearts into every flight."
