Riyadh Air Launches Employment-First Aviation Training Scholarship

This article is based on an official press release from Riyadh Air and summarizes additional industry data regarding aviation compensation.

Riyadh Air Introduces “Employment-First” Scholarship to Fast-Track Saudi Aviation Talent

Riyadh Air has officially launched a landmark workforce development initiative designed to secure the next generation of Saudi Airlines professionals. Announced on December 25, 2025, the “Employment-First” Overseas Aviation Training Scholarship Program represents a significant shift in how airlines recruit and train cadets. Unlike traditional educational scholarships where employment is contingent upon graduation, this program hires candidates immediately, ensuring their Training period counts toward their professional service tenure.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Operating under the “Promising Path” track of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, the scheme aims to localize critical technical roles in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

A New Model for Aviation Training

The core innovation of this program is its “Employment-First” structure. According to the official announcement, selected candidates sign an employment contract with Riyadh Air before they even begin their studies abroad. This approach addresses a common anxiety among students regarding post-graduation job security.

Immediate Professional Tenure

One of the most distinct features of this scholarship is the integration with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). Because candidates are hired from “Day 1,” their years spent in training, whether three or four years, are officially registered as service years. Consequently, a graduate enters the active workforce with significant tenure already recorded on their social security profile.

The program offers full financial sponsorship, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the training abroad. Upon return, graduates have a guaranteed pathway into Riyadh Air’s workforce to support the airline’s operational expansion.

Training Tracks and Locations

The scholarship currently focuses on two high-demand technical specializations: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Commercial-Aircraft Pilot Training.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Candidates selected for the engineering track will travel to Australia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. The curriculum covers both Mechanical and Avionics (electronics) engineering. Graduates from this track will be certified to work on aircraft structures and complex onboard systems, roles that are critical for maintaining the airline’s modern fleet.

Commercial Pilot Training

The pilot training track is scheduled to commence in the United States starting in January 2026. This program is designed to prepare cadets for commercial pilot licensing, feeding directly into Riyadh Air’s flight operations. The airline has emphasized that these tracks are open to both men and women, reinforcing a commitment to gender diversity in the cockpit and the hangar.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Value of “Employment-First”

The following section is an analysis by AirPro News regarding the market context of this announcement.

Riyadh Air’s decision to guarantee employment prior to training reflects the intense global competition for aviation talent. With industry estimates projecting a need for 800,000 new pilots globally over the next two decades, airlines are increasingly forced to secure talent pipelines early.

For Saudi nationals, the financial incentives are significant. Based on 2025 industry data, the career trajectory for these roles is lucrative:

• Pilots: First Officers in the region can expect estimated monthly salaries ranging from SAR 32,000 to SAR 46,000 ($8,500 – $12,000), while Captains may earn between SAR 55,000 and SAR 70,000+ ($14,500 – $18,600+).
• Engineers: Aircraft Maintenance Engineers typically see monthly compensation estimated between SAR 20,000 and SAR 35,000.

By locking in talent with contracts and GOSI benefits immediately, Riyadh Air is not only meeting its “Saudization” quotas but also insulating itself against the global shortage of skilled technical personnel. This move is essential if the airline is to meet its ambitious goal of connecting Riyadh to over 100 destinations by 2030.

Eligibility and Application

The program targets high-performing Saudi high school graduates. Applicants undergo a rigorous screening process that includes academic verification, English proficiency assessments, and interviews to ensure they meet the Safety standards required by the aviation industry.

Prospective candidates are advised to monitor the official Riyadh Air careers portal and the Ministry of Education’s “Safeer” scholarship portal for application windows. The airline has previously demonstrated its commitment to diverse hiring, having inducted its first intake of 27 female Saudi engineers in 2024.

Sources

• Riyadh Air Official Press Release
• Riyadh Air Careers Portal