Saudi Arabia’s upcoming airline, Riyadh Air, has initiated its recruitment process and is inviting pilots to apply as it prepares for its launch in 2025. The airline, established by the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), has ordered up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in a multi-billion dollar deal, with the option to acquire 33 additional planes. The goal is to purchase a total of up to 121 787 Dreamliners to support Saudi Arabia’s aim of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors by 2030.
Peter Bellew, the chief operating officer of Riyadh Air, encouraged experienced pilots trained on the Boeing 787-9 or Boeing 777 aircraft to explore the opportunities online and join the airline’s team. The interview process is scheduled to begin in September 2023, with formal induction of personnel commencing in January 2024. Over the next three years, Riyadh Air plans to hire 700 pilots with expertise in the 787 and those with existing wide-body experience.
The aviation sector has witnessed a strong recovery following the pandemic, driven by global demand for both business and leisure travel. Other airlines, such as Dubai’s flagship carrier, have also experienced growth and announced significant recruitment drives to hire cabin crew, pilots, engineers, and customer services staff.
Bellew highlighted the appeal of living in Riyadh, one of the world’s vibrant capitals undergoing remarkable industrial and leisure development. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online and can expect to be contacted within the next few weeks to capitalize on this exciting opportunity and experience an adventure within Arab culture.