When commercial travel casualties are either imminent or being reported, spokespeople and media members will often call the deceased “souls,” or ‘souls on board’ So will air traffic controllers and pilots when inquiring about those present on a plane encountering a high-risk situation.
However, the term has largely fallen out of favor in modern aviation.
The Origins of the Phrase Souls on Board
The phrase Souls on Board has a rich history that spans over a century, with its origins dating back to the 1800s. During this time, naval authorities used the phrase to describe the presence of spirits or ghosts on a ship. The phrase was often used in conjunction with other supernatural or paranormal phenomena, such as unexplained noises, movements, or apparitions.
The Migration to Aviation
In the 20th century, the phrase Souls on Board began to migrate to the world of aviation.
When this information is released, it is typically done through official announcements or press releases from the airline or aviation authority. This is usually done to prepare for potential search and rescue efforts and to alleviate any unnecessary anxiety or confusion among the passengers and their families. The goal is to ensure that all the people on board are accounted for and that the authorities have an accurate headcount to determine the best course of action in the event of an emergency. The practice of soliciting the number of souls on board is not unique to aviation, but it is a common practice in the industry. Airlines and aviation authorities use various methods to gather this information, including interviews with passengers and crew, as well as data analysis from previous flights.
The phrase is derived from the French term seats de commandement, which refers to the command seats on an aircraft. The term originated in the military and was later adopted by the airline industry. The phrase has been in use since the 1950s, but its usage has been somewhat limited by the increasing availability of more accurate and precise language.
