MOSCOW, Idaho - The University of Idaho colors soon will be flying high with Horizon Air. The airline announced today that it will paint a Q400 aircraft with the university's colors and marks; the new plane will be available for service beginning in November.

"We're pleased Horizon Air is including the state's leading, national research university in its fleet of collegiate airplanes," said Duane Nellis, University of Idaho president. "Horizon has been a terrific partner of ours for many years and we are glad to see a silver and gold plane come to fruition."

The plane will feature a silver I Vandal logo on its golden tail, the university's word mark, and the words "Idaho" and "Vandals" in gold on both sides.

The new 76-seat turboprop aircraft is sure to delight the university's large alumni base in Idaho and around the northwest. The plane will be unveiled at a special event the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 10. Additional details will be forthcoming.

"I want to thank Horizon Airlines for branding one of its planes with the I Vandals logo," said Rob Spear, Idaho athletic director. "This is bold recognition of Idaho's flagship university, and it brings together our great institution and Horizon Air in an important and visible strategic partnership across our region and state."

The cost of painting the aircraft will be covered by Horizon as part of its scheduled repainting; there is no cost to the university.

Horizon Air began service to the Pullman-Moscow airport nearly 29 years ago. In addition to the Idaho plane, its fleet includes seven other university-themed aircraft.