Riyadh: Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's newly launched airline, has announced a major recruitment drive to hire experienced pilots for its ambitious expansion plans. With its headquarters located at King Salman Airport, the airline aims to commence commercial operations by early 2025, targeting an impressive 100 international destinations and accommodating around 100 million passengers.
Riyadh Air is looking to hire 700 skilled pilots over the next three years. Candidates must be trained to operate either the Boeing 787-9 or the Boeing 777 aircraft, both of which will form the backbone of the airline's fleet.
Interested aviation professionals are encouraged to visit the Riyadh Air website to apply online. The interview process is scheduled to commence in September 2023, with the airline planning to formally induct successful candidates starting from January 2024.
To qualify for a position at Riyadh Air, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements include a minimum of 1500 hours of recent flight time on a modern Airbus or Boeing aircraft. Additionally, candidates must have accumulated at least 150 hours as either a First Officer or a Captain within the past 12 months, at the time of joining.
A valid ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with an unrestricted class one medical certification is also mandatory. Fluency in English, equivalent to ICAO English level 5 or above, is another essential requirement. However, it is important to note that Saudi citizens are exempt from the frozen ATPL restriction.
The establishment of Riyadh Air by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) signifies a significant milestone in the development of Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. With a strong focus on delivering world-class services and expanding air connectivity, Riyadh Air aims to become a prominent player in the global aviation market.