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Creative or offensive?

America’s Southwest Airlines unveils the SI-1, an aircraft with a bikini-clad supermodel painted on the side.

Hello, I’m Charlotte Bellis and you’re watching Newsy.com. That was video from CBS 11 of Dallas, Texas.

The image comes from this Sports Illustrated cover featuring Israeli supermodel Bar Rafaeli.

Many passengers are outraged at the provocative new promotion. Here’s FOX News with the perspective of an airline passenger rights activist:

“I think most people are looking at that and people are confused, saying what is Southwest really promoting here? Have they sold their moral code? Are they for sale morally? Are they really taking a stand for the family?” (FOX News)

Others argue the airline is guilty of a double standard.

NBC’s Today Show brings us this flashback to 2007, when this 23-year-old passenger was told she couldn’t fly on Southwest. Here’s what she says the airline told her:

“Tells me, I’m sorry but you’re gonna have to catch a later flight. You’re dressed inappropriately. This is a family airline. You’re too provocative to fly on this flight.” -Kyla Ebbert (Today Show)

Southwest is standing by its partnership with Sports Illustrated. CBS-11 of Dallas, Texas talks to a representative from Southwest Airlines:

“I think we’re one of the only airlines that has the personality that could pull something like this off. We’re certainly not afraid to be different, not afraid to be edgy, not afraid to be fun.” -Southwest Airlines (CBS-11 TV)

But is it all in fun? One customer sounds off on Southwest’s corporate blog, calling it “bad taste”:

“I'm very surprised at their decision especially in an economic time that loss of customers is crucial. I suppose it could go the other way, but how many teen-age boys are fare paying customers?” (Southwest Blog)

Travel blog Gadling.com brings us the perspective of those who wonder—What’s the big deal?

“Women less adorned are all around us, from billboards in New York City to the Sears Catalogue to, oh, I don't know, THE BEACH. Southwest is just having a little bit of fun… but if you can't stand the sight… cover your eyes or stop flying.” (Gadling.com)

Southwest says the promotion was always meant to be temporary, and the paint job will be removed in a couple of months.

Do you think the Southwest-Sports Illustrated promotion crosses a moral line? Or is it just creative advertising?