What has Riyadh Air said about pilot pay?

Chief operating officer Peter Bellew told Gulf News in August 2023 that the airline's terms and conditions were competitive but not yet disclosed, and promised a roster pattern giving pilots more time at home. Advisers quoted by AGBI in July 2023 expected the airline to compete on the package, including tax-free benefits and possibly housing or education subsidies for expatriate staff. In June 2024, Gulf News reported that the launch of Riyadh Air could push packages at other Gulf airlines higher. The pilot careers page on the Riyadh Air website, as archived in June 2026, describes career paths, leadership and helping to build a new airline, but gives no salary, allowances or other package details.1345

How is Riyadh Air recruiting pilots?

According to Gulf News, Riyadh Air aimed to hire up to 700 pilots in 3 years, starting with around 20 experienced Boeing 787-9 and 777 pilots, and has ordered 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Khaleej Times reported in November 2023 that the airline planned recruitment days in Dubai, Paris and Saudi Arabia in the fourth quarter of that year. By June 2024, chief executive Tony Douglas said Riyadh Air had 1.1 million applicants from 146 nationalities. In May 2024, Tony Douglas told the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh that the airline had already hired 38 pilots and instructors, who would fly the certification flights for its air operator certificate, aeroTELEGRAPH reported, citing Flightglobal.1246

Where has Riyadh Air been recruiting pilots in 2026?

According to the trade publication AFM, Riyadh Air held pilot recruitment events at London Gatwick and Manchester in spring 2026, with further stops planned in Hong Kong on 24 April and Singapore on 26 April, as it builds flight crew for its Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo operations. AFM also reported earlier engagement events in Dubai in September 2025. A further pilot recruitment event was scheduled for Dublin on 14 August 2026, where candidates could ask about available roles, employment conditions and flight operations; the report gave no pay figures. Citing Boeing, AFM said Riyadh Air had taken delivery of six Boeing 787-9 aircraft and was serving six cities by 20 July 2026, and it also holds an order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft.78

How does Riyadh Air train its pilots?

In December 2023, Riyadh Air and CAE announced a pilot training centre at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh with two Boeing 787 full-flight simulators, and the first four Riyadh Air pilots began training at CAE London Gatwick. In January 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) licensed the airline's first Boeing 787-9 full-flight simulator. In August 2026, Gulf Daily News reported three employment-linked scholarship programmes aimed at developing Saudi talent, including a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; successful applicants sign employment contracts with Riyadh Air before their studies begin. The airline already offered earlier scholarship schemes for first officers.91011