When seeing two fire trucks lined up on the runway, passengers should not be worried as this is a sign of celebration.
Aviation experts from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport have clarified an internal tradition known as “water salute.” When an aircraft lands, streams of water from the fire trucks create an arch for the plane to taxi through.
Van Don Airport, Quang Ninh welcomes the first aircraft produced in China. (Photo: Hoang Manh Thang).
This activity is performed to mark a special occasion such as the launch of a new aircraft, the arrival of Olympic athletes, or significant celebrities.
Notably, Mr. Edward de Kruijf, an aircraft operations expert, explains that arranging the water salute requires meticulous planning because the two fire trucks must be positioned correctly for the water jets to align with the moment the plane passes through. The operating unit must take wind direction into account and will coordinate with air traffic control to study this aspect.
Additionally, the event management team emphasizes that each time a water salute occurs, the fire department must ensure that there is enough water left in the trucks in case of an actual fire emergency.
After the preparation phase is completed, the pilot is required to announce the water salute to passengers, as seeing fire trucks and flashing lights immediately after landing can cause panic.
Mr. Edward reveals that the water salute is quite a spectacular sight for air traffic controllers, who can view this scene from above. Meanwhile, passengers are also very excited as such activities are not always visible. When this event goes as planned, the combination of sunlight can create a rainbow.
Incidents can still occur during the water salute.
According to Simple Flying, the tradition of water salutes for aircraft may have originated from the maritime industry. In the 19th and 20th centuries, when ships were launched on their maiden voyages, fireboats also marked this achievement with an arch of water.
However, the water salute still carries a risk factor. For example, in 2018 in the UAE, a fire truck collided with the left side of an aircraft, injuring a passenger and forcing the crew to open the emergency doors to evacuate the passengers.
