This is the unusual moment an airline pilot leaned out of the window to clean the windscreen before takeoff in Pakistan.

Footage shows the Pakistani pilot hand-washing the windshield of the Airbus A330 operated by Serene Air at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on September 2.

He was seen stretching out his open side window to clear the debris from the glass as astonished ground staff looked on.

The flight later departed on time for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

Commercial airlines clean their planes regularly. However, pilots are ultimately responsible for the condition of the aircraft before take-off and are tasked with walking around the plane to check for issues.

They may also have to give the window a quick clean to ensure they can see clearly throughout the journey.