flynas Graduates 170 Saudi Pilots to Support Fleet Growth

Riyadh, August 21, 2024 — flynas, the Saudi air carrier, announced the graduation of 170 Saudi pilots over the past 18 months as part of its plan to keep pace with the continuous expansion of its fleet and operations. The new group included 123 co-pilots from the “Future Pilots” program and 47 co-pilots promoted to the rank of captain. This achievement follows the airline’s attainment of a 100% Saudization rate for the co-pilot position, a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to empower national talent in the aviation sector.

Context and Background

The graduation of these pilots comes as flynas continues to expand its fleet and route network, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and develop human capital. The “Future Pilots” and “Future Engineers” programs are central to flynas’ strategy to localize technical and operational roles within the aviation industry. By investing in Saudi men and women, the airline supports the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy and create job opportunities for citizens.

flynas has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Saudization, achieving a 100% rate for co-pilot positions. This reflects the broader national push to increase the participation of Saudis in specialized fields, supported by government initiatives and training programs. The airline’s efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly growing aviation market.

Key Details

Bander Almohanna, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of flynas, emphasized the airline’s commitment to empowering Saudi talent through specialized programs. He highlighted that the “Future Pilots” and “Future Engineers” initiatives are designed to develop the skills of Saudi men and women and prepare them for leadership positions in the aviation sector. Almohanna also noted flynas’ outstanding performance in 2024, which included signing the world’s largest aircraft deal with Airbus.

Almohanna revealed an ambitious plan to employ more than 1,000 Saudi pilots over the next five years, coinciding with the goal of doubling flynas’ fleet size to 160 aircraft by 2030. In July, flynas signed an agreement to purchase 160 new aircraft from Airbus, making it the largest aircraft buyer in the Middle East with a total of 280 aircraft on order. This expansion will enhance flynas’ ability to achieve the goals of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, support the Pilgrim Experience Program, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Saudis.

Implications and Impact

The graduation of 170 pilots and the planned hiring of over 1,000 Saudi pilots underscore flynas’ role as a key driver of employment and skills development in the Kingdom. This initiative not only supports the airline’s operational growth but also contributes to the broader economic diversification agenda. By expanding its fleet and workforce, flynas enhances connectivity, boosts tourism, and facilitates the movement of pilgrims, aligning with the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program.

Furthermore, the airline’s investment in new aircraft and pilot training positions Saudi Arabia as a regional aviation hub. The record order of 160 Airbus aircraft demonstrates confidence in the market and will enable flynas to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and offer more routes. This growth is expected to stimulate economic activity, attract foreign investment, and create a multiplier effect across related sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and tourism.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The graduation of 170 Saudi pilots and flynas’ strategic expansion plans are directly aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to build a prosperous and diversified economy with a skilled national workforce. By empowering Saudi talent and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP, flynas supports the Kingdom’s long-term goals of economic sustainability and global competitiveness. As flynas continues to grow, it will play a pivotal role in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s progress and its commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What did flynas announce on August 21, 2024?

A1. flynas announced the graduation of 170 Saudi pilots over the past 18 months as part of its plan to keep pace with fleet and operational growth.

Q2. How many co-pilots graduated from the “Future Pilots” program?

A2. 123 co-pilots graduated from the “Future Pilots” program.

Q3. How many co-pilots were promoted to captain?

A3. 47 co-pilots were promoted to the rank of captain.

Q4. What is flynas’ Saudization rate for co-pilot positions?

A4. flynas has achieved a 100% Saudization rate for the co-pilot position.

Q5. Who is Bander Almohanna?

A5. Bander Almohanna is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of flynas.

Q6. What programs did Almohanna mention for empowering Saudi talent?

A6. Almohanna mentioned the “Future Pilots” and “Future Engineers” programs.

Q7. What major deal did flynas sign in July 2024?

A7. flynas signed an agreement to purchase 160 new aircraft from Airbus.

Q8. How many aircraft does flynas have on order in total?

A8. flynas has a total of 280 aircraft on order.

Q9. What is flynas’ fleet size goal by 2030?

A9. flynas aims to double its fleet size to 160 aircraft by 2030.

Q10. How many Saudi pilots does flynas plan to employ over the next five years?

A10. flynas plans to employ more than 1,000 Saudi pilots over the next five years.

Q11. What national strategy does flynas’ expansion support?

A11. The expansion supports the National Civil Aviation Strategy.

Q12. What program does flynas support related to pilgrimage?

A12. flynas supports the Pilgrim Experience Program.

Q13. How many jobs will flynas’ expansion create?

A13. The expansion will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Saudis.

Q14. What did Almohanna highlight about flynas’ 2024 performance?

A14. Almohanna highlighted the signing of the world’s largest aircraft deal with Airbus.

Q15. What is the significance of the Airbus deal?

A15. The deal makes flynas the largest aircraft buyer in the Middle East.

Q16. How does flynas’ pilot graduation align with Vision 2030?

A16. It aligns with Vision 2030 by empowering Saudi talent and diversifying the economy.

Q17. What are the “Future Pilots” and “Future Engineers” programs?

A17. They are specialized programs to develop Saudi skills for leadership in aviation.

Q18. How does flynas’ expansion benefit the aviation sector?

A18. It enhances connectivity, boosts tourism, and positions Saudi Arabia as a regional hub.

Q19. What economic impact is expected from flynas’ growth?

A19. It is expected to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and create jobs.

Q20. What is flynas’ role in achieving the National Civil Aviation Strategy?

A20. flynas contributes by expanding fleet and workforce, supporting the strategy’s goals.

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