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Southwest Airlines – ‘Independence One’ – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Southwest Airlines bringing ‘Independence One’ to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Celebrating service, women in aviation, and freedom to fly during July 22-23 appearance

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 24, 2026) — Southwest Airlines® announced it will participate in EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with its high-flying tribute to America’s semiquincentennial celebration, Independence One. This newly launched, freedom-flying Boeing 737 MAX 8 will visit the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration® on Wednesday, July 22, showcasing Southwest®’s support of those who’ve given us the freedom to fly.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The thousands of aviation enthusiasts who annually visit EAA AirVenture will get to see Independence One up close and personal as it carries Southwest Airlines Employees who have served in the military and those with loved ones who have served, culminating in an impressive total of over 1,300 years of military service onboard.

“Independence One is a stunning, colorful tribute to our freedom as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “It will undoubtedly be a big attraction and photo op during AirVenture, as EAA again brings together airplanes and people in a single location that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.”

Southwest is returning as a sponsor of WomenVenture, a conference aimed at inspiring and empowering women in aviation. Emily Estapa, Managing Director of Network Operations Control ATC Training and Standards at Southwest Airlines and a U.S. Air Force veteran, will be speaking at the WomenVenture forum on July 22.

“When women come together, we’re able to support one another and share our journeys,” Estapa said. “That collective sense of belonging and visibility doesn’t just advance individual careers—it elevates the entire aviation industry.”

Keep an eye out for Independence One parked on Boeing Plaza on Wednesday, July 22.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.

About Southwest Airlines Co.    

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 122 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline(fn. 1). By empowering its more than 73,000(fn. 2) People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

  1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
  1. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2026

RAF Red Arrows demonstration team at EAA AirVenture 2026

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RAF Red Arrows demonstration team to make

Oshkosh debut in 2026

Royal Air Force team part of July 24-26 afternoon air shows to celebrate America 250

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 15, 2026) — The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, best known as the Red Arrows, will for the first time bring its world-renowned formation flying excellence to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The team will participate during the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2026 fly-in convention July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Red Arrows will perform as part of the afternoon air shows on July 24-26. It is part of the team’s extended U.S. tour in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary.

“The Red Arrows have long been on the list of teams that aviation enthusiasts have wanted to see at Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The team’s extended U.S. tour schedule fortunately allowed them to include AirVenture on their itinerary so they can be added to the legendary flight teams that have flown at Oshkosh. We welcome them to our event and eagerly anticipate their extraordinary aerial performances.”

Now in their 62nd season, the Red Arrows represent the speed, agility, and precision of the Royal Air Force. They assist in recruiting, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas, and promote the best of British military aviation.

“The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States – the tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts. The tour will celebrate and underline the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and our closest security partner” said Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. “The power to inspire through aviation is something felt by airshow crowds on both sides of the Atlantic and we’re hoping to meet countless individuals and families at these locations, as well as during a busy programme of ground engagement that forms an important element of the tour.

“An enormous amount of work continues to go into the planning for the visit, by teams in the UK and US, and we’re excited and honoured to bring our signature display of red, white and blue to some of the biggest, most well-known airshows and events this summer.”

With a spectacular combination of close formations and precision flying, the Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965. The team – which uses the British-built Hawk T1 fast-jet – has flown nearly 5,000 displays in 57 countries, with pilots who have flown operationally in frontline aircraft such as the advanced Typhoon. The team’s home base is at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and the pilots are augmented by engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience.

The Red Arrows team members will also participate in numerous public appearances and events on the grounds during AirVenture week. That exact schedule will be announced as it is finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org.