Melbourne, Mar 3 : Southwest Airlines has come under fire over the steamy picture of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover model Bar Rafaeli splashed on the side of one of its commercial 737s.

The picture features Israeli supermodel Refaeli, currently dating actor Leonardo DiCaprio, lying seductively in a revealing white bikini.

Passengers said that the picture that is ‘soft porn’ and is offensive to families.

The latest addition to the US-based airline was unveiled this month and is deployed like other aircraft in the fleet, servicing all its routes.

The airline has been slammed on its corporate blog for the promotion, with many passengers complaining about having to board an aircraft ‘covered in pornography’.

“I would not want to have to watch this plane pull up to the gate traveling with my young child, or mother, grandmother, etc,” News. com. au quoted customer Jim Dawson, as saying.

“I know Southwest is known for its fun, laid back qualities but this is just completely inappropriate to plaster all over the side of the plane,” Dawson added.

Another customer, Yvonne, said, “This looks like a flying porn ad! I''m a longtime fan of SWA, this is one reason for me to change airlines.” (ANI)