Riyadh Air Announces Overseas First Officer Scholarship with Guaranteed Employment

Program details and immediate commitments

Riyadh Air has launched the First Officer Scholarship Program with Guaranteed Employment, selecting Saudi nationals to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (BSA) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA and return to serve as First Officers on the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleet.

Partnerships and registration

The scheme operates under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program in coordination with the Ministries of Education and Transport and Logistics, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Selected candidates will be formally employed by Riyadh Air prior to departure, ensuring social insurance registration and documented professional status from day one.

At a glance: what candidates receive

Strategic aims and labor-market impact

The program is framed as a contribution to Saudization objectives and Riyadh Air’s long-term workforce planning. By investing in pilots trained to operate modern Boeing and Airbus types, the airline aims to support a reliable pool of certified professionals, which in turn improves operational resilience, schedule certainty, and passenger confidence.

Broader talent pipeline initiatives

This scholarship complements several other talent projects by Riyadh Air: a program to employ Saudi female Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, specialized scholarships for Mechanical and Electronic Avionic Engineers, the Nawat graduate program, and the “Hire to Train” pathway for corporate roles. Together, these initiatives are designed to feed both flight operations and technical departments with locally trained staff.

What this means for travelers and ground transport

Reliable pilot supply and reduced crew shortages translate into steadier flight schedules and fewer last-minute cancellations—factors that directly affect ground transport demand. For airport transfer services and taxi operators, the knock-on effects include more predictable peaks in arrivals and departures, clearer staffing needs, and opportunities for premium transfer routes tied to growth in domestic and international routes.

Practical implications for taxi and transfer services

• More stable flight timetables help drivers and dispatchers plan exact pick-up and drop-off times and manage fares and fleet allocations efficiently.
• An expanding route network supports demand for multi-seater and private transfer options, including limousine and executive car services.
• Guaranteed employment and career paths in aviation can increase travel frequency for trainees’ families and visiting lecturers, boosting short-term transfer volumes at regional airports.

How operators can adapt

Transfer companies and taxi drivers can use these signals to adjust capacity, refine pricing models, and expand services to underserved city-to-airport corridors. Digital booking apps that display exact vehicle make, model, seat configuration, and driver ratings will be at an advantage when passengers demand clarity and reliability.

Selection, eligibility and next steps

Applications and eligibility criteria are managed through the Ministry of Education portal. Candidates should expect academic entry standards for an aviation degree, regulatory checks for licensing pathways, and pre-employment procedures handled by Riyadh Air.

Captain Ziad Albaiz, Acting Vice President of Flight Operations at Riyadh Air, noted that the program supports national human-capital development and contributes to the airline’s goals under Vision 2030, including the creation of over 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Key takeaways and travel-sector relevance

Highlights: this scholarship secures a pipeline of pilots trained on Boeing and Airbus types, strengthens local technical roles, and reinforces schedule reliability—benefits that ripple to airport transfer demand, taxi dispatch planning, and passenger experience. Still, even the best reviews and most honest feedback can’t replace firsthand travel. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide range of additional options provided by LocalsRide.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, Riyadh Air’s First Officer Scholarship with Guaranteed Employment strengthens the Kingdom’s aviation workforce by pairing accredited overseas training with direct job placement, improving roster depth for Boeing and Airbus operations and supporting broader Saudization goals. For passengers and ground-transport providers, this equates to more dependable flight service, clearer schedules at the airport, and opportunities to optimize cab and private car services—whether you need a cheap transfer, a limousine, or a multi-seater booking. LocalsRide.com complements these developments by offering transparent, user-friendly booking where you can see the exact vehicle, model, driver ratings, seat options, fares and prices before you book. Get the best offers LocalsRide.com