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¿Alguna vez «bañaron» tu avión antes de despegar o tras aterrizar? This is due to the traditional aviation water arches, which are performed on special occasions or opportunities. Here I will explain the most popular and well-known.

I have read on some occasions that people are surprised or others scare, when suddenly the plane they are flying in is bathed in an arch of water before taking off or after landing.

Although this practice is common and does not bring any risk, some passengers can be scared and even more so if they have fear to fly.

This common practice has several reasons., which I will explain in detail. Before getting into the matter, it is good to clarify, that whenever there is a water arch, whatever the reason, the crew will announce through the aircraft's loudspeakers that this activity will be carried out and explain the reasons, to avoid scares or surprises in passengers.

Water arches in aviation

The water arches in aviation are made for good luck or good omen.

Although its exact origin is unknown or when it was the first to be made, this tradition has been around for a long time and is here to stay, as it continues to gain importance in the industry.

Such is its importance., that there is already a jury that qualifies how well a water arch was made and awards a recognition. For instance, the Quito airport the 2 of January of 2018, on the inaugural flight Air Europa took the prize for the best opening arch of January, entregado por Airline Network News and Analysis – ANNA.aero.

In every arch of water, where they usually participate 2 aeronautical firefighters motor pumps, are used approximately 5.000 liters of water during 15 a 20 seconds, covering an area of 75 meters.

Inaugural route

One of the most traditional and common water arches that occur in the industry, is when a new route begins.

This event occurs both when the first flight lands at the destination airport, as at takeoff of the flight to and from the new destination.

Cierre de ruta or airline farewell

A sad time for an airline and airport, but that also has a water arch in between.

With the aim of firing the airline, the water arch has the objective of thanking for the years flying a certain route and waiting for the soon return.

new plane

Too, when a new plane lands or takes off for the first time from an airport the water arch is made.

Airlines when they add a new type of aircraft to their fleet, They also coordinate to carry out this welcome event.

Farewell to an airplane

just as it came, one day you have to retire. When the day comes to pick up a plane, it is tradition to say goodbye with a bow of water before the eyes of pilots and airline workers.

Last flight of a pilot

This is possibly one of the most emotional and saddest events in the aviation industry.

When a pilot hangs up his wings and makes his last flight in command, he is greeted by his relatives, friends and also, the traditional water arch to send him off in style.

Closing and opening of an airport

If an airport closes its operations to make way for a new one, a water arch is made to the last flight to land and take off from the terminal projection.

The same is done with the first landing and takeoff from a new airport.

Featured athletes

Too, when an athlete or team stands out in a competition, the plane in which they travel is greeted with an arch of water, as a sign of welcome and admiration for the achievements obtained.

Others

There are some additional cases like last day of an ATC air traffic controller, new image or name of an airline, airline and airport anniversaries, etc.

Have you ever been inside an airplane during a water arc or seen one?