Honoring Those Who Serve: A Tribute in the Skies

‍DALLAS — Today, we pay homage to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States and remember their legacy and the freedoms we cherish because of them.

So too have U.S. carriers found meaningful ways to honor military service through special liveries and tributes.

Southwest Airlines (WN) has introduced themed aircraft and airport experiences around Memorial Day, designed to honor fallen soldiers and connect travelers to the spirit of remembrance. Silver Airways (3M) has operated a military-themed “Bravo Zulu” livery, using the phrase used in the Navy to signify “well done,” as a visual homage to military excellence.

However, it is Alaska Airlines (AS) that has visually carried that spirit of remembrance beyond Memorial Day, honoring our nation's military heroes every single day. 

The airline's special tribute began in 2016, when it took delivery of a Boeing 737-900ER, tail number N265AK. The aircraft arrived in a striking Red, White, and Blue livery and was aptly named “Honoring Those Who Serve.”

Alaska Airlines Tribute Aircraft

Since then, AS has expanded this moving tribute with three additional aircraft painted in the patriotic scheme:

• An Embraer E175 (N651QX) operated by Horizon Air,
• A Boeing 737-800 (N570AS) with ETOPS certification,
• And most recently, in 2024, a Boeing 737-8 (N806AK).

The newest aircraft, N806AK, features the most updated livery design, proudly displaying a sixth golden star and engine stripe, added to represent the United States Space Force, our newest military branch.

Through these aircraft, the Seattle-based airline keeps the memory of our fallen heroes alive in the skies, reminding passengers and crew alike of the valor, courage, and dedication of those who serve.