Riyadh Air launches cabin crew program to expand Saudi aviation workforce

13/05/2026 04:44 AST

Thousands of Saudi nationals are expected to benefit from a Riyadh Air cabin crew training initiative as the Kingdom's newest airline ramps up recruitment amid its expanding operations.

The Public Investment Fund-owned carrier said the Nawat Cabin Crew Program forms part of its broader strategy to build a national aviation talent pipeline while supporting plans to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs under Vision 2030, according to a press release.

Riyadh Air, which aims to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 global destinations by 2030, said the initiative is designed to recruit thousands of Saudis over the coming years as the airline expands operations.

"It will equip the next generation of cabin crew with skills, confidence, and warmth required to represent both Riyadh Air and the Kingdom on the global stage," Riyadh Air said in a statement.

Nahar Al-Jahani, senior vice president of talent acquisition and business partners at the operator said: "Riyadh Air is fully committed to building a national talent pipeline in the aviation sector across many different areas of the business and cabin crew are an essential part of our operations."

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in aviation under Vision 2030 as it seeks to position itself as a global tourism, trade, and logistics hub. Riyadh Air has become a key pillar of that strategy through major aircraft orders, strategic partnerships, and investments in technology and workforce development.

The airline added that its wider initiatives offer multiple pathways for Saudi talent to build careers in the sector, underscoring its long-term investment in strengthening the Kingdom's aviation industry.

"These initiatives include the Kingdom's first program to employ female Saudi engineers in aircraft maintenance, as well as specialized bachelor's scholarship programs for aircraft maintenance engineers in mechanical and avionics engineering," the release stated.

It added that the program also prepares university graduates for roles within Riyadh Air's corporate departments through intensive training rotations, while the airline's first cadet pilot program opens pathways for aspiring Saudi pilots to enter the aviation sector.

Developed in partnership with Bunyan for Training Co., the Nawat program includes an eight-month curriculum covering safety procedures, technical skills, language proficiency, and professional service standards aligned with international aviation requirements.

Applications are open to Saudis aged 21 and above, with the first intake scheduled to begin training in August, the release added.

Arab News