RIYADH: Riyadh Air has celebrated the graduation of its first group of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to expand the participation of women in specialised aviation professions.
The graduation ceremony was held at Riyadh Air’s headquarters in the presence of the graduates’ families and senior company executives, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
A total of 26 Saudi women completed a diploma course under the airline’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme, which was launched in partnership with Colleges of Excellence and the International Aviation Technical College in Riyadh, according to SPA.
Riyadh Air described the programme as the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, designed specifically to develop national expertise and prepare Saudi women for careers in aircraft maintenance in line with international industry standards.
Aircraft maintenance engineering is a critical component of aviation safety, involving the inspection, servicing, repair and maintenance of aircraft and their systems.
Increasing the number of qualified Saudi professionals in the field is expected to contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s domestic aviation workforce.
The airline said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to develop national talent and establish a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s expanding aviation industry.
It also aims to contribute to the development of an advanced national aircraft maintenance ecosystem and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in the global aviation sector.
Expanding opportunities for Saudi talent
The latest graduates are part of a wider series of initiatives launched by Riyadh Air to attract and develop Saudi nationals for specialised roles across the aviation industry.
These initiatives include the Nawat graduate development programme, which is intended to provide young Saudi professionals with opportunities to develop technical and professional skills.
The airline has also previously introduced scholarship programmes covering areas including co-piloting and aircraft maintenance, reflecting its focus on building a pipeline of skilled Saudi aviation professionals.
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The graduation comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in aviation and related infrastructure as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
By increasing opportunities for Saudi women in highly technical aviation fields, programmes such as the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme are also helping to broaden the country’s pool of specialised talent.
Riyadh Air said the latest achievement demonstrates its commitment to investing in Saudi human capital and supporting the long-term development of the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
The graduation of the 26 engineers represents a new step towards creating a larger pool of locally trained aircraft maintenance specialists and increasing Saudi participation in one of the aviation industry’s most technically demanding professions.
