Southwest and SeaWorld revealed the aircraft at a ceremony a few weeks ago at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with real penguins, Southwest and SeaWorld Employees, community members, and executives, including Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly, and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison. The plane, filled with Southwest and SeaWorld employees, will be making stops in two other SeaWorld cities, San Antonio and San Diego.
The partnership between the two companies dates back to 1988, which began when SeaWorld opened in San Antonio. Southwest and SeaWorld launched their partnership in a high-flying way—with the introduction of a new Boeing 737, Shamu® One!
The featured penguin species on the aircraft is a gentoo, one of the species found at SeaWorld Orlando’s new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™. The attraction includes a first-of-its-kind family ride that transports guests into the penguins’ icy world.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison, and Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly christen the new aircraft, Penguin One, revealed earlier this morning.
SeaWorld Orlando penguin experts Jill Lewis and Sharon Jarvis brought actual penguins to the reveal of Penguin One, along with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison, and Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.
New SeaWorld-themed fleet, Penguin One, made its debut this morning at Orlando International Airport in celebration of the 25-year partnership between SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines.
Penguin One takes off from Orlando International Airport and heads to San Antonio for more festivities.