Saudia: Traditional water cannon welcome cancelled due to California drought

There’ll be no water-cannon salute for Saudi Arabian Airlines when it launches its new nonstop service to Los Angeles on March 31.

A water salute occurs for ceremonial purposes. At an airport, typically an even number of vehicles will line up perpendicular on the sides of the taxiway or apron, and the plumes of water will form a series of arches. Symbolically the procession would look similar to a bridal party walking under a wedding arch or the Arch of Sabres at a military wedding.

Water salutes have been used to mark the first or last flight of an airline to an airport, or for other notable events.

The historic drought in California will prevent LAX Airport from offering the planned celebratory greeting for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier.

LAX firefighters and their rigs will line up on the tarmac, with the firefighters saluting as the first plane rolls past, officials said.”

Saudia, formerly branded as Saudi Arabian Airlines, plans to fly nonstop from Riyadh to Los Angeles on the U.S.-bound portion and operate the return with a stop in Jeddah. The carrier will use its new Boeing 777-300ER jets on the flights.