Alaska Airlines Celebrates NFL with Russell Wilson Plane

To help usher in the return of regular season football, Alaska Airlines unveiled a plane featuring the likeness of Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson.

Wilson acts as Alaska’s Chief Football Officer and is committed celebrating Seattle football fans and building a strong local community. The customized Boeing 737-800 also features Wilson’s tagline, “Dream Big. Fly High.” above the aircraft’s door.

For passenger flying to Denver from Seattle on Friday, September 7, they will be invited to a tailgate-inspired celebration at the C gates of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In addition to the party, travelers wearing a Wilson jersey will be granted early boarding on all Seattle-departing flights throughout the football season.

“I love putting on my No. 3 jersey for the first game of the season,” Alaska Airlines managing director Natalie Bowman said in a statement. “At Alaska, we’re excited to show our hometown pride, support our quarterback, and send fans to Denver in true football fashion.”

The official YouTube page of Alaska Airlines released a time-lapse video of the plane’s transformation:

Wilson works extensively with the carrier to support youth charities and education programs, including Seattle Children’s Hospital, The Strong Against Cancer initiative, the Why Not You Foundation, the Russell Wilson Passing Academy and There’s No Time to Sleep event.