The biggest bird wearing purple and black took flight today, as the Ravens and AirTran unveiled a Boeing 717, dubbed Ravens 1, replete with Baltimore’s signature colors and logos.

The plane skirted the tarmac at Thurgood Marshall Baltimore-Washington International Airport Tuesday morning.

Tight end Todd Heap and his family, along with Ravens president Dick Cass, got a first-class view of the new vehicle, and the ninth-year veteran was amazed.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said.   “You don’t see too many planes painted like that, with the purple and black.  I think it’s a sense of pride for the whole community – anyone that’s a fan of the Baltimore Ravens.  Any time you go into a city and see our plane, you can be proud.”

Heap was proud to partner with AirTran in an event for his foundation and Franklin Square Hospital.

In 2008, Heap pledged to raise $1 million for a pediatric wing of the hospital, and AirTran offered $10,000 if representatives from Franklin Square could pull the plane.

Even though they were rewarded for a successful attempt, Heap admitted to being nervous.

“We started pulling on the ropes, but it wasn’t budging at the beginning,” he said with a laugh.  “I knew once it started rolling, we’d be OK, but man… It was tough.” 

The plane is purple on the bottom from the front to the rear of the fuselage.  On the tail, the Ravens’ logo stands out on a field of black, reminiscent of Baltimore’s helmets. The Ravens’ wordmark is emblazoned on the engines. Check out photos of the plane.

“The Baltimore Ravens are excited about the arrival of Ravens 1,” said Ravens vice president of national sales Kevin Rochlitz. “We look forward to seeing the Ravens and AirTran Airways brands flying together throughout AirTran’s network, emphasizing their commitment to the Baltimore Ravens and the community.”

This is actually the second NFL-themed plane.  The Atlanta Falcons announced Falcons 1 two weeks ago.

Tags: AirTrain, Boeing 717, BWI, Franklin Square Hospital, Plane, Ravens, Todd Heap, Unveiled