"Logojets"

[metricbolt]

Why do airlines have logojets,retro colour schemes,etc.?
Does the public know or even care?Most airplanes parked at the gate and passengers sometimes don't know what they're getting on.Although it is nice for enthusiasts,photographers and spotters,surely it is an added expense.Take US Airways,they had to re-do some to get it right.

[flyaboy]

On a clear day most airliner's paint scheme and their logo can be spotted many miles away, say, on a transoceanic track. It also helps the control tower to identify the operator while they are taxing in a busy airport such as Chicago O'hare. Last but not least, during a post crash (God forbid) the rescue team can easily identify the aircraft that may be involved in an accident and that helps expediting the rescue process.

[Bluedharma]

I think most Heritage aircraft,retrojet livery, or Commemorative liveries are just that.
A marketing move to bring their brand out front to the general public. Some are done to express national pride and can be recognized from the ground.


Standard Qantas


Qantas Wunala Dreaming
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/aircraft-designs/global/en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_livery

[Ztex]

I would venture to say most people don't even know if they are flying Boeing, Airbus or McDonnell...or even care.
They know the difference between "prop job = puddle jumper" and "jet". They may know the difference between "Big" jet and "Little" jet... But most people simply don't care.
But, they would notice if it was a plain white or bare metal airplane and that would come across to them as "something wrong" with the airplane. So...paint is a must for the general public too.

And some others do care about logos and paint, and the airlines do paint for them...be it controllers, marketers or spotters like us.

A retro/special logo is strictly for marketing....they can show that an airline has a long history and therefore is here to stay, or they can show that they recognize a region or hub, like the Southwest specials. And they can be joint marketing like Southwest Shamu or the Simpson's Western Airlines special. The Frontier animals create a bit of buzz as well. Anything to get your airline noticed.

I like it too! So it must good, right?