Riyadh Air launches 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 programme 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 programme components at a glance
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Degree | BSA at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA) |
| Employment | Guaranteed First Officer position with Riyadh Air upon graduation |
| Fleet | Boeing and Airbus aircraft operated by Riyadh Air |
| Registration | Professional experience registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance |
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 minimise reliance on expensive contract pilots.
- Training logistics: Coordinated overseas education centralises 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 Saudisation 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 licens
