Flying Orca Whale, a photo from Nevada, West

Photographer's Note

Southwest Airlines actually has 3 Shamu planes! They often run the going-to-San-Diego route from Phoenix or other western USA airports, but, at times, can take on other routes instead. Inside the Shamu plane there are no “whale” features; the interior is just like any other jet airplane.

The first Shamu plane wasn’t created for Sea World San Diego at all! Back in 1988, Sea World of Texas joined forces with Southwest Airlines for a “visit Texas” advertising campaign. The Shamu plane was created…and has been with us ever since!

The Texas campaign was a success…and the following year, Sea World San Diego got in on the fun, as well. “Shamu Two” was created, and started flying out of the Oakland, California airport. When that campaign, too, turned out to be a success, then “Shamu Three” was created (in 1990.) (From: archshrk.com)

ikeharel, bj40, Sonata11, jhm, timecapturer has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ikeharel (38130) 2012-09-12 7:58

Hi Eleu,
I aggree with the similarity to the whale painted airplane, and that's raise a question I long ago asked myself: doe's it make better tickets sold if the Logo and/or painted airplanes are more attractive to passangers?
I remember "Braniff" ungly-brown jets, and went bust in the 1980th, and on the other hand, saw the other many carriers doing well with less attractive colors.
Nice taken on T/O, with great clarity.
Ike

macjake (40028) 2012-09-12 9:24

Hi Eleu
a clean and crisp photo of the underbelly of this jet plane, with fine colors and lighting.

I'm just a bit curious because all these airlines cry fowl about how much money they're loosing - perhaps they should stop spending thousands of dollars by painting animals on their planes instead of raising airfares!

just a thought!

enjoy your day
craig

leo61 (0) 2012-09-12 10:09

Hi Eleu!
Good capture of this nicely painted aircraft and perfect framing.
Regards,leo

Sonata11 (28776) 2012-09-12 20:28

Hello Eleu,
this plane indeed looks like flying orca. Fantastic captured. Eleu, you are master of catching any planes. AWESOME work.!!!! Congratulation. Thanks for sharing.
All the best,
Barbara

mohammad_H (6670) 2012-09-13 0:05

Hello dear friend
The plane looks like a whale, beautiful view
Well clearly, the combination of attractive colors, and transparent
Have a nice day

jhm (123166) 2012-09-13 4:30

Hello Eleu,

This is the first time that I see a plane with whale painting.
Excellent placed diagonal about the picture.
Sharpness and clarity are perfect.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John

timecapturer (31308) 2012-09-13 5:15

Hi Eleu
love this shot just for the fascination of seeing a flying whale. Your capture is superb with wonderful colours and detail. You got it just right in the frame and beginning to soar into the heavens so beautifully. Wonderful imagery!

Kind regards - Brian.

serp2000 (29642) 2012-09-16 15:31

Wow! So creative idea for a jet! Original capture of the flying whale, Eleu! Well seen. Superb colors!
Greetings from Greece!
Serghgei