Riyadh Air opens First Officer scholarship with guaranteed employment for Saudi nationals

Riyadh Air’s First Officer Scholarship will directly supply trained pilots for its Boeing and Airbus fleet, shortening recruitment lead times and improving crew rostering, compliance and transfer logistics between training hubs and Riyadh.

How the scholarship scheme is structured

The program is delivered under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program and implemented in coordination with the Ministries of Education and Transport and Logistics, plus the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Selected Saudi nationals will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA, combining academic qualification with practical pilot training and a guaranteed First Officer role upon graduation.

Key program components at a glance

Operational and supply-chain impacts

From an aviation logistics perspective, the scholarship reduces uncertainty in pilot supply and helps Riyadh Air plan fleet growth. Early employment contracts ensure new pilots’ professional records are recorded from departure day, which supports predictable crew availability and simplifies regulatory compliance for international operations.

• Crew scheduling: Predictable intakes ease roster planning and minimize reliance on expensive contract pilots.
• Training logistics: Coordinated overseas education centralizes simulator and classroom blocks, making shuttle and accommodation logistics more efficient.
• Airport transfer demand: Incoming and returning students increase demand for airport taxi and private transfer services, including long-term airport-to-campus itineraries.
• Regional talent pipeline: Local career pathways help retain skilled workers, benefiting ground-handling, maintenance and corporate departments.

Who benefits: candidates and the aviation ecosystem

Both male and female students are employed prior to departure, ensuring salary, insurance and social benefits begin immediately. This approach supports Saudization objectives, encourages female participation in technical roles, and feeds a broader ecosystem of maintenance engineers, avionic specialists and administrative staff.

Eligibility and application pointers

Applications and full eligibility criteria are published on the Ministry of Education portal. Prospective applicants should prepare academic transcripts, English proficiency documentation, and medical and licensing clearances as required by international flight training authorities.

Career pathways beyond the cockpit

Riyadh Air’s talent initiatives extend beyond pilot training. The airline has programs for Saudi female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, scholarship tracks for Mechanical and Electronic Avionic Engineers, the Nawat graduate program, and “Hire to Train” schemes for corporate functions. Each track supports hands-on training that connects education with immediate employment.

Practical effects for taxi and transfer services

As cohorts fly to and from the USA for degrees, local transport providers and transfer platforms will see upticks in demand for airport pickups, multi-stop airport transfers for groups, and long-term driver contracts for interns and cadets. For travellers and families arranging logistics around study periods, transparency on vehicle type, driver license verification and fare pricing becomes essential.

• Group transfers for cadet intakes — useful for shuttle coordination.
• Long-term airport transfer contracts for students and trainees.
• Higher demand for private cars and shuttles during graduation and induction weeks.

What this means for travellers and industry partners

For destinations hosting aviation training and for Riyadh-bound passengers, a steadier pilot pipeline contributes to stable schedules and fewer last-minute cancellations. That reliability benefits airport taxi fleets, private transfer operators and corporate travel planners who rely on consistent arrival and departure windows.

Captain Ziad Albaiz, Acting Vice President of Flight Operations at Riyadh Air, framed the scholarship as a strategic investment in national human capital that aligns with Vision 2030’s job-creation goals and the airline’s long-term hiring plans.

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In summary, Riyadh Air’s First Officer Scholarship with guaranteed employment strengthens the pilot supply chain, aligns training with operational needs for Boeing and Airbus fleets, and supports Saudization and job creation goals. The program also affects related services such as airport transfers, taxi demand and shuttle logistics — making exact planning, fair fares and verified drivers more important than ever. Platforms like GetTransfer.com provide a transparent, global solution for booking personalized transfers, trips and deliveries, allowing travellers to view car, driver and fare details in advance and book with confidence. Get a ride that fits your schedule and budget, whether you’re moving between campus and airport or arranging group transfers for training cohorts.