Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, has launched a cabin crew training program aimed at increasing the participation of Saudi nationals in its workforce as the airline expands its operations. The initiative, known as the Nawat Cabin Crew Program, is part of the airline’s broader strategy to develop national aviation talent and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air plans to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 international destinations by 2030. The Nawat program is designed to recruit and train thousands of Saudis over the coming years, providing them with the skills and professional development needed to represent both the airline and the country in the global aviation sector.

The airline emphasized that the program will prepare its future cabin crew members with essential skills, confidence, and service standards. Nahar Al-Jahani, senior vice president of talent acquisition and business partners at Riyadh Air, highlighted the carrier’s commitment to building a national talent pipeline across various business areas, noting the vital role cabin crew play in its operations.

Saudi Arabia is investing significantly in its aviation sector as part of its Vision 2030 plan to transform the nation into a global tourism, trade, and logistics hub. Riyadh Air is a central component of this vision, having placed major aircraft orders, entered strategic partnerships, and invested in technological advancements and workforce development.

Beyond the Nawat program, Riyadh Air is implementing additional initiatives to cultivate local talent. These include the Kingdom’s first program to employ female Saudi engineers in aircraft maintenance and specialized scholarship programs focused on mechanical and avionics engineering. The airline also offers intensive training rotations for university graduates interested in corporate roles and runs a cadet pilot program to train aspiring Saudi pilots.

The Nawat Cabin Crew Program was developed in partnership with Bunyan for Training Co. It features an eight-month curriculum that covers aviation safety procedures, technical skills, language proficiency, and professional service standards consistent with international requirements.

Applications for the program are open to Saudi nationals aged 21 and above, with the first group of trainees expected to begin the program in August. This initiative reflects Riyadh Air’s ongoing investment in strengthening the Kingdom’s aviation industry by nurturing homegrown expertise.