Airlines

5 Facts About Saudi Arabia’s Newest Riyadh Air

Saudi Arabia's new airline, Riyadh Air to hire 700 pilots as it prepares to launch

On March 12, 2023, Riyadh Air, a new airline, was unveiled by Saudi Arabia, one of the most notable Gulf nations. His Highness Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of Riyadh Air as the country’s new national airline.

Saudi Arabia announces plans for a six-runway hub airport in Riyadh.(Opens in a new browser tab)

1. By 2030, the new airline hopes to connect 100 destinations by taking advantage of Saudi Arabia’s advantageous geographic position between Asia, Africa, and Europe. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia

2. Saudi Arabia is shifting its business from oil trading to the Tourism of Saudi Arabia which can drive the new way of GDP to the country. In addition to adding $20 billion to the kingdom’s non-oil GDP growth, Riyadh Air is expected to generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

3. Riyadh likes the Boeing aircraft and it announced that it will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.

4. Airlines from other nearby nations, such as Qatar Airlines, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Etihad. In order to compete with them in the future, it has modified the Saudi Arabian Airlines brand by introducing new aircraft types, notably the Boeing 787.

5. A multibillion-dollar agreement with Boeing Airlines, based in the US, is announced by the airline. According to reports, Riyadh Air with Boeing reportedly finalizing a $35 billion agreement for the purchase of new narrow and wide-body aircraft.

6. Riyadh Air will be a top-tier airline, implementing the world’s highest sustainability and safety standards across its modern fleet of aircraft outfitted with cutting-edge technology. The new national airline will gain from PIF’s financial resources and investment know-how as it develops its business to become a major national carrier. Together with the newly revealed masterplan for King Salman International Airport, the new national airline represents PIF’s most recent investment in the industry, according to the announcement.

Saudi Arabia to order 40 A350s for new national airline RIA(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.