Riyadh Air launches three scholarship programmes tied to employment for Saudi talent

Riyadh Air has launched three additional employment-linked scholarship programmes aimed at developing Saudi nationals for careers in aviation, including pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

The programmes are being delivered under the “Wa’ed” track of Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme, in partnership with US-based academic institutions and national stakeholders.

The new offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, alongside two associate diploma programmes in Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.

A key feature of the programmes is that successful applicants will sign employment contracts with Riyadh Air before starting their studies. The scholarship period will also count as professional experience registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).

The structure provides participants with an employment pathway alongside their education, rather than requiring them to secure a job after completing their studies.

Nahar Aljahani, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Culture at Riyadh Air, said: “Investing in Saudi talent is a cornerstone of Riyadh Air's strategy to build a world-class airline powered by highly qualified Saudi professionals. 

The launch of these programs reflects our commitment to providing outstanding educational and career pathways that enable young Saudi men and women to acquire the expertise and skills required by the aviation sector through partnerships with globally recognized academic institutions.

“We are proud to expand our offerings by introducing new programs in aircraft airframe and powerplant maintenance alongside our Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science program, continuing our efforts to develop national human capital. 

These initiatives build on recent milestones, including the graduation of the first cohort of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers. We remain committed to preparing the next generation of Saudi talent to lead the future of aviation, contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The latest programmes expand Riyadh Air’s existing talent initiatives, which include the Nawat Graduate Programme, Nawat Cabin Crew Programme, Saudi Female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Programme and earlier scholarships for first officer and aircraft maintenance training.

The airline said the initiatives are intended to build specialist capabilities needed as Saudi Arabia expands its aviation sector under Vision 2030. The programmes are being delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Human Capability Development Program.

The launch also follows the graduation of Riyadh Air’s first cohort of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers, according to the airline.

For applicants, the employment-linked structure could offer a more direct route from specialised education into aviation careers, while for Riyadh Air it creates a pipeline of Saudi-trained talent for roles that require technical and operational expertise.