Royal Salute

A water cannon salute is a ceremonial gesture that involves using water cannons to spray a large arc of water over an aircraft as a sign of respect, celebration, or honor. It’s most commonly associated with the arrival of important dignitaries, VIPs, or significant events.
Water Cannon Salute for Aircraft

What It Is:

A water cannon salute for an aircraft typically occurs when a plane (often a special or inaugural flight, or when a VIP or dignitary is arriving) lands at an airport. Fire trucks or airport rescue and firefighting vehicles (ARFF) equipped with water cannons are positioned on either side of the runway or at the arrival gate.

How It Works:

Once the aircraft has landed, the fire trucks shoot jets of water into the air in an arch that crosses over the plane. This creates a dramatic and impressive visual effect, often involving large, colorful arcs of water above the aircraft.

Occasions for a Water Cannon Salute:

• VIP Arrivals: Heads of state, royalty, or other dignitaries arriving on a special flight often receive a water cannon salute as part of a ceremonial welcome.
• Special Flights: It is also common to see a water cannon salute for inaugural flights (when a new airline or new route is launched) or for retirement flights (such as the final commercial flight of an aircraft).
• Celebratory Events: Significant milestones for airlines, like anniversaries or achievements, can also trigger a water cannon salute.

Symbolism

The salute is a symbol of respect and celebration. For many airports, it’s a way of showing honor for the arrival of a prominent person or the completion of a noteworthy event in aviation history.

Notable Examples:

• Royal or Presidential Visits: When a monarch or world leader arrives by air, a water cannon salute is a common practice at many international airports as part of the ceremonial welcoming.
• Inaugural Flights: A water cannon salute is often used to mark the first commercial flight to a new city or airport.
• Aircraft Retirements: Some airports will perform a water cannon salute for an aircraft that is making its final commercial flight, marking the end of its service.

Key Points to Remember:

Water cannon salutes are not typically performed for routine flights but are reserved for special or ceremonial occasions.The size and intensity of the salute can vary depending on the significance of the event or the rank of the dignitary arriving.Fire trucks or ARFF vehicles with powerful water cannons are used for the salute, often positioned at a distance to create a large arc of water over the aircraft.
In essence, the water cannon salute is a striking and symbolic gesture to mark a special event in the aviation world or to honor important individuals arriving by air.