Gulf’s newest airline Riyadh Air launches ambitious recruitment drive

Gulf’s newest airline Riyadh Air launches ambitious recruitment drive

Dubai: The race to recruit is on at the Gulf’s newest airline – Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia – as it targets hiring as many as 700 pilots in the next 3 years. Add to that tally a sizeable cabin crew, engineering and IT professionals, then what you get is one of the most ambitious hiring programs in recent years within the region’s airline industry.

The hiring of the first batch of pilots – around 20 – has started, and the Saudi airline is looking for those with extensive experience steering Boeing 787-9s and 777s wide-body aircraft.

According to Peter Bellew, Chief Operating Officer, "Interviews have been taking place. We expect people to physically join us from January to April of next year."

Some pilots are expected to start in October through November. "Recruitment for the core group will continue until December this year," said Bellew.

Backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air initiated a multi-billion-dollar transaction in April 2023 for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes. The order comprises 39 confirmed aircraft and an option for 33 more of the wide-body planes. The airline plans to procure 121 787 Dreamliners, marking Boeing's fifth largest commercial order by value.

UAE will be a