Saudi Nationals Can Train as Pilots Through Riyadh Air’s New Scholarship Program, Get the Details Here

Published on
February 11, 2026

Riyadh Air, the newest global airline out of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently launched its First Officer Scholarship Programme that promises guaranteed employment, paving new ways for Saudi nationals to pursue a career within the aviation industry. This programme, aimed at building a highly skilled working class to operate its Boeing and Airbus aircraft fleet, is part of the overall vision for Riyadh Air and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a sustainable long-term career path for its youth. This is a step closer to fully delivering on Riyadh Air’s part to meet and exceed the objectives within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.

A Pathway for Saudi Nationals to Pursue Aviation Careers

The First Officer Scholarship Programme offers an exciting opportunity for Saudi men and women to train and qualify as pilots with Riyadh Air. As part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, the initiative provides selected candidates with a world-class education and guaranteed employment with Riyadh Air upon completion. This is an important step in creating a new generation of aviation professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of the airline.

Riyadh Air has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the United States, one of the world’s largest accredited universities specializing in aviation and aerospace, to provide the educational component of the programme. Selected candidates will pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation science (BSA) at the university, receiving top-tier training and education in aviation management, flight operations, and other essential skills needed to become successful First Officers.

The programme is designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to operate Riyadh Air’s fleet of modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft, allowing them to contribute to the airline’s ambitious growth plans and provide world-class service to passengers.

A Focus on Training, Employment and Career Development

One of the key features of the First Officer Scholarship Programme is the guarantee of employment with Riyadh Air. Upon successful graduation from Embry-Riddle, candidates will be ready to begin their careers with the airline, flying some of the latest aircraft in the industry. This program provides a direct pathway from education to professional employment, ensuring that Saudi nationals have access to high-quality jobs in the aviation sector.

Both male and female students selected for the programme will be employed by Riyadh Air prior to departure for their studies, allowing them to begin their careers early. This employment will be officially recognized by the General Organization for Social Insurance, ensuring that students have their professional experience documented and supporting their readiness for full-time employment upon their return. This pre-employment aspect of the programme also ensures that candidates are well-prepared and integrated into Riyadh Air’s culture and operational standards from day one.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Saudisation Goals

The launch of this scholarship programme is a significant part of Riyadh Air’s broader efforts to support the Kingdom’s Saudisation objectives, which aim to increase the number of Saudi nationals working in the country’s key sectors. By offering training and employment opportunities to Saudi citizens, Riyadh Air is contributing directly to the Kingdom’s long-term goal of reducing reliance on foreign workers and developing a skilled, homegrown workforce.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the economy and creating opportunities for young Saudis in various sectors, including aviation. By investing in the education and career development of Saudi nationals, Riyadh Air is helping to build a strong and sustainable workforce that will be crucial to the growth of the Kingdom’s aviation industry.

Additional Talent Development Initiatives at Riyadh Air

The First Officer Scholarship Programme is just one example of Riyadh Air’s broader commitment to developing national talent. In addition to this programme, Riyadh Air has also launched other initiatives aimed at empowering young Saudis and supporting their career development in aviation and related fields. These include specialized scholarship pathways for Mechanical and Electronic Avionic Engineers, as well as the Kingdom’s first programme dedicated to employing Saudi female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

Riyadh Air also offers the Nawat graduate programme, which prepares recent graduates for employment within the airline’s corporate departments. Through intensive training, this programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in roles across various functions, from operations to customer service and beyond. Additionally, the “Hire to Train” programme provides training for graduates who are ready to join Riyadh Air’s team, helping to ensure that they are fully prepared for their roles within the company.

Impact on the Aviation Sector and Saudi Tourism

The launch of the First Officer Scholarship Programme and other talent development initiatives by Riyadh Air will have a profound impact on the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom’s aviation industry continues to expand, the need for skilled professionals to operate and manage modern fleets will only increase. By investing in the training and development of Saudi nationals, Riyadh Air is ensuring that the Kingdom has the human capital necessary to support this growth and create a sustainable future for its aviation sector.

This initiative also aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to boost the Kingdom’s tourism sector and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for travel. By developing a highly skilled workforce in the aviation industry, Riyadh Air is helping to improve the quality of air travel in the country, making it easier for tourists to visit and explore Saudi Arabia. As the airline expands its global network, it will play a key role in making the Kingdom more accessible to international visitors and supporting the growth of the tourism industry.

The Future of Aviation in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Air’s focus on developing local talent, supporting Saudisation, and investing in the Kingdom’s aviation industry is a forward-thinking strategy that will help secure the long-term success of the airline and the broader sector. The First Officer Scholarship Programme represents a critical investment in Saudi Arabia’s future, not only in terms of aviation but also in terms of economic diversification and job creation. As Riyadh Air continues to grow, it will become an increasingly important player in both the global aviation market and the Kingdom’s tourism sector.