I live near a major airport and see commercial planes with huge front headlights shining in the night sky. What could they be good for way up in the sky, though? I get that when they are taking off/landing headlights are necessary. Why not give them lights like a boat, with a green in front and a red in back?
Most planes do have green and red lights on the tips of their wings.
They also have lights on their front and on their tail. This allows for those looking to see all 4 “corners”.