Saudia Group Marks Historic Graduation, Announces Plans for 12,000 New Aviation Jobs

Saudia Group celebrated the largest graduation in its history, honoring over 1,000 Saudi men and women who completed specialized aviation training programs. The milestone coincides with the group’s ambitious plans to deliver 185 new aircraft in the coming years, creating more than 12,000 jobs across the aviation sector.

The graduation ceremony, held in Jeddah, highlighted Saudia Group’s commitment to workforce development and its broader role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy. Graduates are set to join various group entities, including Saudia Airlines, Saudia Academy, Saudia Technic, Saudi Ground Services (SGS), SAL Logistics Services, flyadeal, and CATRION.

Eng. Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, described the event as a key step in localizing the Kingdom’s air transport industry. He noted that the group has surpassed its localization targets, with performance in core aviation roles exceeding expectations by 43% to 230%.

“The introduction of our new fleet of 185 aircraft over the next few years is expected to generate more than 12,000 jobs across the aviation ecosystem,” Al Omar said. He also highlighted the expansion of Saudia Technic’s maintenance hangar at King Abdulaziz International Airport, which will soon be fully operational and provide thousands of additional direct jobs in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Al Omar emphasized Saudi Arabia’s strategic agreements with global manufacturers, which include knowledge transfer and local workforce qualification clauses. This approach has increased local content within the group from 19% in 2019 to 29% today, with a target of 45% in the near future.

Saudia Academy has grown into a comprehensive training hub covering multiple aviation specialties. Equipped with advanced facilities, expert trainers, and internationally aligned curricula, the academy aims to become a global reference for aviation training, attracting students from around the world.