"A plane water salute is a celebratory ceremony that involves two fire engines spraying arcs of water over a plane, which creates a 'tunnel' for it to travel under. Much like maritime salutes for ships, the custom, reserved for special occasions and landmark events, often serves as a gesture of respect, celebration or good luck. Water salutes are performed for a number of reasons - though most notably to honour the final flight of a senior pilot or airport worker before retirement, according to Simple Flying."
"The water salute is said to have originated in the maritime industry, where fireboats would create a water arch for ships on their maiden voyages as a ceremonial welcome. When planes were eventually introduced, the tradition was later adopted by the aviation industry, according to Schiphol Airport. As reported by Simple Flying, there are unverified reports the first water salute took place in the 1990s at Salt Lake City International Airport to honour a retiring Delta Airlines pilot."
A water salute is a ceremonial practice in aviation where two fire engines spray arcs of water over a plane, forming a tunnel for it to pass beneath. The custom is reserved for special occasions and landmark events and functions as a gesture of respect, celebration, or good luck. Common reasons include honoring a retiring pilot or airport worker, celebrating milestone flights, welcoming returning athletes, commemorating military personnel, and marking first or last airline routes to an airport. The tradition originated in maritime water arches and was later adopted by aviation; it is rare and distinct from ground deicing.
Read at Mail Online
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