Who can join flynas as a first officer?

According to afm.aero, flynas had reached a 100% Saudization rate for the co-pilot position by August 2024. Over the previous 18 months the airline graduated 170 Saudi pilots: 123 co-pilots from its Future Pilots programme and 47 co-pilots promoted to captain. The national rule sets the floor. Argaam reported that from 15 March 2023 the copilot role had to be 100% Saudised in private sector aviation firms with at least five employees in those professions, with airline transport pilots at 60%. From 4 March 2024 the airline transport pilot share rose to 70%. Workers in these professions need accreditation from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).23

How does the Future Pilots programme work?

TradeArabia reported in July 2026 that flynas plans to qualify and graduate up to 300 Saudi pilots by the end of 2027 through Future Pilots and employment-linked scholarships under the Wa'ed Track of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme. Running since 2007, the programme combines academic study with theoretical, practical and flight training, and had produced around 300 co-pilots by 2024. The scholarships combine funded education, specialised aviation training and career pathways, but the announcement gives no figures for pay during training.1

How fast is flynas growing?

In August 2024 chief executive Bander Almohanna set out a plan to employ more than 1,000 Saudi pilots over five years, alongside a goal of doubling the fleet to 160 aircraft by 2030. In July 2024 flynas agreed to buy 160 new Airbus aircraft, giving it 280 aircraft on order.2

What end-of-service pay applies in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development states that an employer pays an end-of-service award of half a month's wage for each of the first five years and one month's wage for each later year, based on the last wage. A worker who resigns with less than two years of service receives nothing, one third after two to 5 years, and two thirds after more than 5 and less than 10 years.4