Saudi Arabia's two national airlines will collaborate to train pilots, aircraft crews, and other aviation employees. Riyadh Air, a new airline announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March 2023, has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Academy, which is affiliated with the national carrier, Saudia. This agreement, signed at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, marks a significant step in specialized aviation education for the Kingdom's national carriers, aiming to enhance the training standards of pilots, aircraft crews, and air operations personnel.
The initiative aims to develop and adapt talent to bolster Saudi Arabia's position as a global aviation leader. This move aligns with the Kingdom's commitment to advancing its aviation capabilities and providing the necessary tools to develop the sector's workforce. Riyadh Air's Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bellew, highlighted that the partnership with Saudia Academy underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and raising aviation standards. By combining their capabilities and expertise, they aim to create a world-class training system that equips aviation specialists with the essential knowledge and skills.
The agreement will allow the two national carriers to integrate their resources and expertise to offer comprehensive training programs across various specializations. These programs will cover technical training, aviation basics, ground operations, management principles, linguistic proficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the collaboration will include specialized executive education and training to meet the professional development needs of leaders and decision-makers in the aviation sector.
Ismail Al-Kashi, CEO of the Saudi Academy, emphasized the importance of investing in training and development to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and service excellence. He noted that well-trained employees are essential for outstanding performance in the rapidly developing aviation sector.
The Future Aviation Forum, organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, will bring together over 5,000 global aviation industry experts, international airline leaders, and airport executives to discuss key issues in the flight sector, air transport, environmental sustainability, advanced air transport, and global connectivity. This event supports the Kingdom's goal of becoming a leading aviation hub within a decade and securing $100 billion in investments by 2030.