Riyadh Air launches Saudi cabin crew hiring drive with 2027 job pathway
Applications open online and through nationwide recruitment roadshows
DUBAI – Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing aviation sector has opened another major employment pathway for local talent as Riyadh Air unveiled its new Nawat Cabin Crew Program aimed at developing the next generation of Saudi cabin crew professionals.
The initiative is designed to recruit thousands of Saudi nationals over the coming years as the airline prepares for rapid international expansion ahead of 2030. Applications are now open both online and through recruitment roadshows taking place across the Kingdom, beginning in Riyadh.
The programme marks another milestone in Riyadh Air’s long-term strategy to build a strong national aviation workforce while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda. The airline plans to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade, creating significant demand for trained aviation professionals across multiple departments.
Named ‘Nawat’, the initiative consolidates several pathways already introduced by Riyadh Air to localise jobs within the aviation sector. The newly announced cabin crew programme joins the airline’s existing cadet pilot initiative, engineering programmes and graduate development schemes aimed at Saudi talent.
Training journey
The Nawat Cabin Crew Program has been developed in partnership with Bunyan for Training Company and will offer participants an intensive eight-month training curriculum aligned with international aviation standards. Training is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with successful candidates expected to officially join Riyadh Air as cabin crew members in 2027.
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According to the airline, the programme focuses on preparing candidates for both operational and customer-facing responsibilities. Participants will receive instruction in aviation safety procedures, technical expertise, communication skills, language proficiency and onboard hospitality standards.
Cabin crew members are expected to serve as frontline ambassadors for Riyadh Air, representing both the airline and Saudi Arabia on international routes. The carrier said the initiative is intended to equip recruits with the confidence, professionalism and service culture required to deliver what the airline describes as the spirit of “Hafawa”, a hospitality concept rooted in Saudi culture.
Saudi men and women aged 21 and above are eligible to apply, provided they have a passion for hospitality and customer service. Applications are being accepted through online recruitment portals as well as physical roadshows being organised across several cities in the Kingdom.
Career pathways
The launch comes as Riyadh Air accelerates preparations for full-scale operations following its establishment in March 2023. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the airline is positioning itself as a global full-service carrier based in Riyadh with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, modern cabin experiences and sustainability-focused operations.
Officials say the Nawat initiative is intended not only to fill staffing requirements but also to create long-term professional pathways for Saudi nationals seeking careers in aviation.
Nahar Aljahani, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Business Partners at Riyadh Air, said cabin crew represent an essential part of airline operations and the broader strategy to strengthen Saudi participation within the sector.
The executive added that the programme would contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition of generating more than 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities under Vision 2030 while building a sustainable national talent pipeline across aviation disciplines.
Beyond cabin crew recruitment, Riyadh Air’s wider Nawat initiatives include scholarship programmes for aircraft maintenance engineering, specialised training in mechanical and avionics engineering, and graduate development programmes designed to prepare university students for corporate careers within the airline.
The carrier has also introduced what it describes as Saudi Arabia’s first programme dedicated to employing female Saudi aircraft maintenance engineers, signalling a wider push to increase workforce participation across technical aviation roles.
Growing demand
The expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry has created rising demand for trained professionals as the Kingdom invests heavily in tourism, transport infrastructure and international connectivity. Riyadh Air’s recruitment campaign reflects broader industry efforts to localise employment opportunities while reducing dependence on overseas labour in specialised sectors.
For job seekers, the programme offers a structured entry point into commercial aviation with opportunities for long-term career progression. Riyadh Air said successful candidates will enter a professional environment designed to provide advancement opportunities, employment stability and international exposure through future global operations.
The airline also highlighted the role cabin crew play in shaping passenger experiences and promoting Saudi culture to international travellers. Every future recruit, the company noted, will help showcase Riyadh and the Kingdom to guests travelling across its expanding network.
Riyadh Air aims to operate a modern fleet equipped with advanced cabin interiors, next-generation inflight entertainment systems and high-speed connectivity as it builds towards its target of serving more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.