Horizon's New WSU "GO COUGS" Makes KMFR Appearances.

Yesterday, Horizon Air's much-anticipated WSU "GO COUGS" livery made its first flight into Rogue Valley International Airport. Arriving as Flight AS2072 servicing the SEA-MFR route, the all-crimson-red aircraft with bold white lettering is the first university livery on the Embraer 175 (E175) since Horizon transitioned to an all-jet fleet in January 2023, phasing out the De Havilland Canada DHC-8, commonly known as the Dash 8.

Horizon Air has a rich tradition of celebrating regional educational institutions through unique aircraft liveries. In the past, the airline showcased various universities from the regions they served on the Dash 8 turboprop planes. The new livery not only reaffirms this tradition but also brings a fresh visual appeal over the WSU Dash 8, which featured crimson-red only on the tail and lettering. Those previous liveries, which promoted school spirit and regional pride, were well-received by both university communities and the general public.

WSU President Kirk Schulz expressed his enthusiasm about the new livery, stating to FOX13 Seattle, "The new Go Cougs aircraft celebrates the productive partnership between Washington State University and Alaska Airlines. We are proud to have Alaska Airlines as a continued supporter of our educational programs and research pursuits, particularly in developing and adopting sustainable aviation fuels. Together, we will help transform the future of air travel across the state, region, and world."

These themed liveries are a testament to Horizon Air's broader community engagement and marketing efforts. They not only serve as a mobile advertisement for the institutions they represent but also help in building a strong regional identity for Horizon Air, aligning the airline with local communities and institutions.

We hope to see Horizon Air extend this tradition with more university-themed liveries in the near future.

9/27/23 edit: today at MFR.

9/27/23 edit: today at MFR.