Buddha Air’s ATR 42 aircraft 9N-AIN gets Water Salute
Buddha Air, a leading private airline in Nepal, has officially retired its ATR 42 aircraft, registered as 9N-AIN, after 16 years of service.
The aircraft was decommissioned on Tuesday, following a farewell ceremony held at Tribhuvan International Airport. During the event, the aircraft was given a traditional water salute as a mark of honor.
According to ATR regulations, aircraft are required to be grounded after completing 70,000 flight cycles. Buddha Air’s ATR 42 had completed 40,000 cycles, all within Nepal’s airspace.
The 47-seater aircraft began its commercial operations on December 28, 1997, and later started offering scenic mountain flights on September 17, 2008.
The aircraft completed its final mountain flight before being officially retired from service on Tuesday.
The Water Salute Ceremony: A Time-Honored Tradition in Aviation
A water salute ceremony is a cherished tradition in the aviation industry, where two fire trucks spray streams of water over an aircraft as it arrives or departs from an airport. This ritual is a mark of respect and honor for the aircraft, its crew, and passengers. It holds special significance, symbolizing the recognition of an important event in the aviation world.
Origins of the Tradition
Though the exact origins of the water salute ceremony are unclear, it is believed to have begun in the United States during the 1950s. Initially, it was performed as a tribute to military aircraft and naval ships. By the 1990s, the tradition had expanded to include commercial and private aircraft. Today, it is a global practice, widely embraced by airports and airlines, especially during significant moments such as a new aircraft’s first arrival or an aircraft’s final flight.
Why is a Water Salute Ceremony Performed?
The water salute ceremony serves as a symbolic gesture of respect and honor for the aircraft, its passengers, and crew. It celebrates the aviation industry’s achievements and acknowledges the dedication of those who work behind the scenes. For passengers, the ceremony is a gesture of gratitude for placing their trust in the airline. For the crew, it honors their commitment to ensuring safe and successful journeys.
How is a Water Salute Ceremony Performed?
The water salute ceremony is executed by positioning two fire trucks near the aircraft’s engines. As the plane either arrives or departs, the trucks spray arcs of water over it, creating a striking visual display. This moment is often accompanied by applause from bystanders, dignitaries, and airport personnel, making it a deeply emotional and memorable occasion.
Types of Water Salute Ceremonies
Several variations of the water salute ceremony exist, each marking a unique event:
- Arrival Salute: Celebrates the arrival of an aircraft at an airport.
- Departure Salute: Honors an aircraft’s departure.
- Final Departure Salute: A farewell tribute to an aircraft retiring from service or being decommissioned.
- Inaugural Flight Salute: Marks the first flight or the arrival of a brand-new aircraft.
The Importance of the Water Salute Ceremony
A water salute ceremony is more than just a visually stunning event; it holds deep significance within the aviation community. It serves as a tribute to the industry’s accomplishments and the hardworking professionals who ensure the safety and success of air travel. For passengers, it is a gesture of respect, acknowledging the trust they place in airlines. For the crew, it is a celebration of their dedication to guiding passengers safely to their destinations.
In summary, the water salute ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the aviation industry, symbolizing respect and honor for aircraft, passengers, and crew. Adopted by airports and airlines worldwide, this powerful and emotional ceremony highlights the industry’s achievements and the dedication of those who make air travel possible. Whether marking a first flight or bidding farewell to a retiring aircraft, the water salute remains a significant and memorable event in aviation history.
