Saying Farewell to an Airliner

[Speedbird1]

I recall seeing the final Olympic flight at JFK get sprayed with water from trucks upon its final arrival. Is this normally done to say farewell and to welcome a new airliner or is this rarely seen? I've only seen it a few times. How common is it?

[megatop412]

A lot of inaugural flights get the treatment but some don't. Here in PHL the first VX flight got the water cannons but the first arrival of AS did not. Not sure what happened with the first Southwest flight into PHL several years back, maybe Paul can comment on that if he sees this(since he photographed it)

[PhilDernerJr]

Water cannon salutes are arranged by the airline for photo ops for special first flights, retiring captains, or to welcome home soldiers. they are approved based on fire department staffing and water restrictions.