Riyadh Air is set to redefine the aviation landscape of Saudi Arabia and beyond, emerging as the Kingdom’s second national airline after Saudia. With operations launching in 2025 from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, this ambitious airline backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund promises a lucrative career path for pilots globally.

This detailed guide covers everything pilots need to know about Riyadh Air’s salary structure, benefits, aircraft, job requirements, and what the future holds. If considering a career with Riyadh Air or exploring pilot opportunities in Saudi Arabia, this article will serve as your definitive resource with crystal-clear insights and strategic SEO-boosted content crafted to rank at the top in 2025.

Riyadh Air’s Vision & Pilot Opportunities

Riyadh Air’s mission is bold — starting operations with a large fleet serving over 100 destinations worldwide and generating more than 200,000 jobs globally. Strategic partnerships with aviation giants like Delta, Air China, and Singapore Airlines, as well as sponsorships with Atletico Madrid and CONCACAF, underline Riyadh Air’s global ambition.

For pilots, Riyadh Air offers industry-leading remuneration and comprehensive benefits tailored to attract top talent. This makes it not only a prestigious employer but also a financially rewarding destination for flying professionals.

Riyadh Air Pilot Salary Structure 2025: Breakdown by Rank & Aircraft

Understanding Riyadh Air’s remuneration is key to grasping the full career potential. Salaries depend on rank, aircraft type, flight hours, and experience, outlined clearly below:

First Officers (Co-Pilots)

• Experience Required: Minimum 2,000 flight hours on multi-crew, multi-engine jets.
• Monthly Salary:
  • Narrow-body aircraft: SAR 60,000 (~US$16,000)
  • Wide-body aircraft: SAR 65,000 (~US$17,300)
• Flying Hours Expectation: 75 hours per month
• Overtime Pay Rates:
  • 75–85 hours: SAR 400/hr (narrow-body), SAR 500/hr (wide-body)
  • 85+ hours: SAR 500/hr (narrow-body), SAR 600/hr (wide-body)

Captains

• Experience Required: Minimum 6,000 total flight hours, including recent command experience on specific aircraft.
• Monthly Salary:
  • Narrow-body: SAR 85,000 to 115,000 (~US$22,500 to US$31,000)
  • Wide-body: SAR 90,000 to 120,000 (~US$24,000 to US$32,000)
• Flying Hours Expectation: 75 hours per month with same overtime pay scale as First Officers.

Riyadh Air Pilot Benefits: More Than Just Salary

Riyadh Air supplements the competitive salaries with a robust benefits package designed to support pilot well-being and family needs:

• Generous Layover Allowances: Extra pay for layover meals, transportation, and deadheading duties depending on destination.
• Education Sponsorship: Funding for up to three children’s education in Saudi Arabia and abroad—an industry first.
• Housing Allowance: Premium accommodation in expat-friendly areas of Riyadh with access to gym, pool, and luxury amenities.
• Annual Staff Travel: One business-class return ticket home annually; up to 20 confirmed tickets for family and friends per year.
• Bonuses and Increments: One month’s salary bonus during Ramadan; annual 5% salary increment; participation in airline profit-sharing.
• Global Health & Life Insurance: Comprehensive coverage ensuring medical security worldwide and family financial protection in unfortunate event of death.

Aircraft Fleet Pilots Will Operate

Riyadh Air’s fleet focuses on two flagship aircraft types:

• Airbus A321neo: 60 narrow-body aircraft, with options to convert into long-range variants.
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 39 wide-body aircraft featuring 24 business, 39 premium economy, and 223 economy seats.

Pilots will fly one or both aircraft types depending on their qualifications and rank, with operator training supported by leased Boeing 787-9 from Oman Air.

How to Become a Riyadh Air Pilot?

Aspiring Riyadh Air pilots must meet rigorous standards, ensuring safety and operational excellence:

First Officer (A321neo & 787-9)

• Minimum 2,000 flying hours on multi-crew, multi-engine jets (excluding simulator & non-operating seat time).
• Valid ICAO ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License).
• Unrestricted class one medical certificate.
• ICAO English proficiency level 5 or above.

Captain (787-9)

• Minimum total flying hours: 6,000 including 2,000 recent command hours preferably on Boeing 787 or 777.
• Logged 150 command hours within the last 12 months.
• Under age 59.
• Valid ICAO ATPL, unrestricted class one medical, and ICAO English 5+.

Captain (A321neo)

• 6,000+ total flying hours with 2,000 recent command hours preferably on Airbus A320 family.
• Minimum 150 recent command hours logged.
• Below 59 years old, with valid ICAO ATPL, medical, and English proficiency.

For reference, here is the official website – https://www.riyadhair.com/en/careers

Pro Tips to Ace Your Riyadh Air Pilot Application

• Log Accurate Flight Hours: Only operating seat time counts; simulators and second officer time excluded.
• Maintain Medical and Licensing Compliance: Renew ICAO ATPL and medical certificates timely.
• Stay Within Age Limits: The cap of 59 years is critical, so plan career moves early.
• Demonstrate English Proficiency: Achieve and maintain ICAO English level 5 for seamless communication.
• Highlight Command Experience: For captains, recent command hours are critical—ensure this is clearly recorded.

Riyadh Air Pilot FAQs: Quick Answers

• Q: What is the salary range for Riyadh Air pilots?
  A: Monthly salaries vary from SAR 60,000 for first officers to SAR 120,000 for senior captains based on aircraft and experience.
• Q: Where will pilots be based?
  A: All Riyadh Air pilots operate from King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh.
• Q: Which aircraft will they fly?
  A: Airbus A321neo (narrow-body) and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (wide-body).
• Q: Are there annual bonuses?
  A: Yes, including Ramadan bonus and performance-linked increments.

Why Riyadh Air Represents a Game-Changer for Pilots in 2025

Riyadh Air is not just launching a new airline; it is setting a new standard in pilot compensation and care in the Middle East aviation sector. Competitive salaries combined with generous benefits, excellent fleet, and global reach position Riyadh Air as an employer of choice for talented aviators.

Joining Riyadh Air means being part of a visionary project fueling economic growth, innovation, and connectivity within Saudi Arabia and internationally. For pilots aiming for world-class career growth in 2025 and beyond, Riyadh Air is undoubtedly a top contender.

Start Flying High: Your Riyadh Air Career Awaits

Prepare your licenses, logbook, and medical certificates, and explore Riyadh Air pilot vacancies officially. This opportunity is set to launch careers into new heights both financially and professionally in 2025.