People watching were terrified as retiring Airbus A380 pilot performed controversial stunt with passengers onboard
Published on Sep 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A retiring Airbus A380 pilot from Lufthansa left onlookers terrified after he pulled off a controversial stunt while his airliner was full of passengers.
The incident took place in early 2024, with the Lufthansa pilot celebrating his final flight on one of the large Airbus airliners.
Pilot Christian Pokorski had a 33-year career before he retired on February 27th, 2024.
When a video of his last takeoff surfaced on the social media site TikTok, the maneuver proved controversial.
Yet it also made for the perfect farewell for the pilot as he flew off into retirement.
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The Airbus A380 pilot was treated to a water gun salute
Another part shown in the video was the water gun salute that Pokorski had at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
A salute like this is traditionally done for retiring pilots or for aircraft that are bowing out of service.
Airline Spotter on TikTok captured footage of the LH453 flight, which was headed to Munich.
The Airbus A380 passed under water spray from fire engines as they gave the salute, and the aircraft soon lined up for takeoff.
As it started to gain altitude, the aircraft dipped its wings to the right and left.
It looked as if the Airbus was waving farewell.
That was Pokorski’s way of saying farewell to flying, as the Airbus rose into the clouds.
However, the move raised a few eyebrows.
Was the ‘wing wave’ maneuver really dangerous?
Some on the TikTok video joked that it was meant to be the captain’s last flight, not that of all the passengers.
Others were mortified that the maneuver had taken place.
However, not everyone felt the same way.
Given his experience, Pokorski likely knew, like this Paris Air Show pilot, exactly what he was doing.
He likely even forewarned the passengers on board what was about to happen.
The maneuver also likely received approval from both his airline and the airport.
In fact, while some airlines ban the wing wave, it has become a tradition with Lufthansa.
Flight attendants will often notify passengers before takeoff that the maneuver is going to happen.
It does make for a poignant farewell as the giant aircraft flies off into the distance and onwards to Germany.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
