United Airlines hosted U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at a special event at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by unveiling a special ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery, which will adorn a Boeing 737-800 and a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.
The aircraft were flown to a paint shop in Amarillo, Texas, where they were painted with the bold red, white, and blue design.
Describing the work, United said the design “features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward.”
“America is the greatest country in the world, and we’re proud to play a role in celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary,” commented United’s chief executive Scott Kirby.
“For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering U.S. company, investing in people and communities across the country,” Kirby added, as he went on to explain the airline’s initiatives to help employ veterans, including 600 military pilots who have joined United through the military pilot pathway program since 2024.
“Today, we proudly employ more than 8,300 military veterans, of which 1,500 are active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces,” Kirby added. “Our ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery pays tribute to their service to our country that continues to make America strong.”
Other airlines that have created or adapted special liveries to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary include American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.
JetBlue has added a 250th decal to its existing ‘Vets in Blue livery,’ while Alaska Airlines is also celebrating the anniversary via its existing ‘Honoring those who serve’ livery. Meanwhile, American Airlines has added a 250th decal to one of its Boeing 737s.
Delta Air Lines has also added a 250th decal to one of its Boeing 757-200 aircraft, which it says is being flown daily between key U.S. hubs and high-volume markets.
