Picture this, you're on a plane taxiing to the runway in preparation for take off, when all of a sudden the aircraft becomes the target of an airport water fight.
Turns out there's a reason for this – and it's not a last minute, half-assed attempt at cleaning the plane before it departs.
For us passengers, the stress of travelling abroad is mostly over once you step foot on the plane.
After you've found your seat, it's time to sit back and relax for the next couple of hours – or 'rawdog' the flight, depending on how brave you're feeling.
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However, for the pilots, cabin crew and ground staff, this is where the hard work begins.
The majority of these tasks are pretty straightforward, loading baggage, safety briefings and making sure the aircraft is fit to fly.
However, your jet being sprayed with water has nothing to do with practicality or safety at all.
In fact, it's much more ceremonial.
Why are planes sprayed with water before taking off?
This process is known as a 'water salute'.
Performed by two fire trucks lining each side of the runway to create an arch, a water salute is a mark of respect for either the aircraft or the pilots inside.
Water salutes are performed for numerous reasons, including:
- The final flight for a pilot before retirement
- Retirement of a senior airport employee
- The first or final flight for an aircraft
- First or last flight of an airline to a specific airport
- A token of respect for military personnel killed in action.
A water salute shouldn't be confused with ground deicing of a plane, which takes place before the aircraft begins moving and is more likely to be the case if you've ever experienced liquids being sprayed along the side of the jet moments after boarding.
What is the history of the water salute?
According to an explainer from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, the water salute is believed to originate in the maritime industry, with boats receiving the honour on their maiden voyage.
As global travel then shifted from sea to sky, the procedure was adapted.
Are water salutes dangerous?
While a water salute is not considered to be dangerous, there are a small number of accidents which have occurred from the procedure.
Most recently, in 2018 Dubai airport decided to mark the 88th birthday of Saudi Arabia by performing a water salute for a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight.
However, one of the cannons malfunctioned and began to spray water directly at the plane, causing an overwing emergency door to be triggered and the passenger sat in the nearby seat suffered minor injuries.
Topics: Travel
Brenna Cooper