United Airlines' 'Purple Plane' is on a Mission For Healthy Babies

Airline honors a decade of supporting the March of Dimes with specially painted commemorative aircraft

CHICAGO, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today welcomed a new Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to its fleet, and while it is not the first of the next generation Boeing planes the company will take delivery of this year, it is the first to feature a vibrant purple fuselage. The commemorative aircraft is specially painted to honor United's ten years of supporting the March of Dimes and their mission to provide families across the country with care and valuable information on pregnancy and having healthy babies.

Flight 2051 departed Seattle's Sea-Tac airport this morning bound for Chicago O'Hare, filled with customers and United partners who supported the March of Dimes through United's fundraising efforts. Each guest was personally welcomed aboard the special flight by 2015 March of Dimes National Ambassador Family, long-time United employee Elise Jackson, her son Elijah and husband Todd. United's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the 2015 March for Babies National Chairman John Rainey also personally thanked guests for their meaningful contributions.

"Our 'purple plane' is more than just a fun and unique paint job – it's a symbol of the long-standing partnership between our customers and employees and the March of Dimes," said Rainey. "We know that so many people who fly with us have been touched by the issue of premature birth, and we hope that as customers spot this plane flying around the country, we can bring continued awareness and support to this very important issue."

Over the past nine years, United employees have contributed more than $5.5 million to the March of Dimes and have walked more than 36,000 miles in March for Babies events nationwide. Last year alone, United and its employees raised more than $700,000 for March of Dimes research, education and services. This year, United has committed to raise $1.2 million for the organization, with about half of that from employee efforts. And thanks to the generosity of the passengers on this flight, United has raised $780,000 for the March of Dimes with today's delivery.