Key Takeaways
• IATA launched new training partnerships in Saudi Arabia, impacting over 1,000 graduates and aviation workers.
• Aviation now accounts for 8.5% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, supporting 1.4 million jobs and $90.6 billion annually.
• CBTA training centers and ongoing certification ensure Saudi aviation workers match global safety and operational standards.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently made important moves in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 to help the Kingdom build a strong aviation workforce. These moves are not just about teaching new skills, but they also tie directly into Saudi Arabia’s plan called Vision 2030. This plan aims to make the country a top spot for business, travel, and tourism by the year 2030. As Saudi Arabia opens up, more people are traveling in and out, which means more jobs and even more need for trained aviation professionals. Let’s look deeper into what these new partnerships, training courses, and future plans mean for aviation workers in Saudi Arabia and the big changes happening in the region.
Major Training Agreements Rolled Out by IATA
During the IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) event in Jeddah on May 6-7, 2025, many new training partnerships were announced. This was the first time Aviation Day MENA was held in Saudi Arabia, which shows how important the country is becoming in the world of aviation. Saudia, the main airline of the Kingdom, hosted the event.
One of the most important moves was the start of several training projects. These projects are set to help over 1,000 fresh graduates and workers in aviation. They will learn about how airports are built and run, how to keep everything safe, airline management, and operations on the ground.
Breaking Down the Main Training Partnerships
Several key partners are now working with IATA to deliver this training:
– Regional Training Centers: Riyadh Airports Company and Qassim University have joined as new Regional Training Partners. Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA) is already a partner but will now offer even more courses. Altogether, these centers will put out over 60 different courses. The lessons will cover airport operations, airline safety, how to run commercial businesses in aviation, and how to manage operations on the ground.
- Training for Airlines: IATA will run special courses for graduates at Riyadh Air and Saudia Airlines. These are aimed at people who are just finishing their studies or new to the field. The goal is to help find and grow Saudi talent for leadership jobs in aviation.
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Specialized Courses: Dangerous Goods Courses will be delivered to staff and managers at the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA). Also, SAL Saudi Logistics Services has been recognized as a CBTA Center, which means it can officially train workers under a program called Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA). Saudi Ground Services (SGS) has renewed its CBTA training center certification and its Training Validation Program, showing it meets high standards.
These partnerships are key steps in making sure the aviation workforce in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is well-trained, ready, and able to handle the industry’s huge growth.
How Aviation Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Economy
Timing is important for these training projects. Aviation now makes up 8.5% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, which is about $90.6 billion each year. The sector supports 1.4 million jobs. That includes 62,000 people working directly for airlines and 79,000 people working for airports or air navigation services. Many Saudi families depend on these jobs.
This is important because Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is trying to shift from oil-based income to other sources, with travel and tourism being big parts of Vision 2030. In 2023, new data showed that Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector also moved 713,600 tonnes of air cargo, which is a huge number. It shows that the country is not just a travel destination, but a trading and moving hub as well.
Setting Priorities: What Needs to Happen Next
IATA has identified three main areas that need careful attention to keep the Kingdom’s aviation sector growing:
- Working Together and Sticking to Global Rules: Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 now plays a big role in making aviation rules in the Middle East. It is important for it to work closely with others and make sure its standards match worldwide rules. This helps planes, workers, and goods move smoothly in and out of the country.
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Smart Spending on Airports and Technology: The Kingdom is putting a lot of money into building new airports and making things more digital, like faster check-ins or better tracking of luggage and cargo. Keeping these investments cost-effective means Saudi Arabia can compete with other busy airports around the globe.
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Building the Right Skills and Aviation Workforce: A well-trained workforce is key. Without enough skilled people working as pilots, ground staff, engineers, and air traffic controllers, the industry cannot grow safely or quickly.
Spotlight on Skills: Training for the Future
On May 8, 2025, right after Aviation Day MENA, IATA held a training workshop in Jeddah. Leaders from Saudi universities, government, and airlines came together. Their main goal? To figure out what skills are needed most, where the biggest gaps are, and how to make training fit what aviation workplaces really want.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the main message at the workshop was that Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is growing in the aviation world like never before. Not only is it building airports and getting more planes, but it is spending money to grow its own workers. This is not just about today’s needs – it is about having skilled managers and workers ready for all the future changes coming with Vision 2030.
Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said during the workshop, “Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is undergoing unprecedented growth and transformation. The Kingdom is not only expanding its aviation infrastructure, but it is also investing in its people. This is vital to meet the immediate skills requirements while developing a professional workforce able to deliver on Vision 2030.”
What Does This Mean for Students, Job Seekers, and Workers?
With so many new partnerships and training courses opening up, anyone interested in aviation now has more choices than ever in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦. Academic partners like Qassim University and the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy now offer cutting-edge programs that teach both the technical and business sides of aviation. These skills are important for future leaders—so if you’re thinking about a career in aviation, there is a clear path to get the training you need.
These changes also mean that experienced aviation workers can keep learning and stay up-to-date with industry standards. Certification in specialized areas such as Dangerous Goods and CBTA helps professionals meet international safety and work standards.
Immediate Benefits and Future Opportunities
The benefits of these IATA-driven training efforts are clear:
- More jobs for Saudis in aviation, with a special focus on graduates and young people who are just starting out.
- Higher safety standards and better-trained staff, which helps build trust in Saudi Arabia’s 🇸🇦 airlines and airports for travelers and business partners.
- Smoother career progress for those already working in aviation, thanks to ongoing training and recognition of their skills.
But there are also long-term effects. As Saudi Arabia grows as a tourism and travel hub, more tourists, business travelers, and international companies will pass through its airports. This will mean even more jobs, not just in aviation but in hotels, tourism, and business. The country could become a top choice for people who want to work in aviation worldwide.
What Makes the Saudi Vision 2030 Approach Unique?
Vision 2030 is not just a local plan – it aims to place Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 firmly on the global map. Aviation is a major part of that goal. Unlike some countries that only focus on building infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is focusing just as much on people. By teaching new skills and updating training to match global standards, the Kingdom is future-proofing its aviation industry.
This creates a unique mix—big investments in airports and runways, matched with a focus on growing the talents and abilities of Saudi workers. When the infrastructure grows alongside human capital, the results are stronger, more reliable, and more respected airlines and airports.
Challenges and Differing Opinions
Of course, every big change comes with its own set of challenges. Some experts warn that simply putting money into training is not enough—the training must match real-world needs. Others say it’s important to keep working with global groups like IATA to make sure Saudi Arabia keeps up with worldwide trends in airline operation, safety, and technology.
There are also some worries about keeping new skills up-to-date as technology changes quickly. This is why the current training programs are so focused on ongoing education and regular certification, as seen with the CBTA centers and continuous evaluation of training partners.
Aviation Workforce: The Center of Growth
The workforce is the real backbone of the sector. As both new and experienced aviation workers get more access to training, the whole system becomes safer and more reliable. Having many skilled workers makes Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 an attractive spot for airlines, logistics companies, and travelers.
As Saudi Arabia’s airports get busier and as new airlines expand, there will be ongoing demand for everything from pilots to airport tech experts, from logistics managers to safety specialists. This means a new era of opportunity for those willing to train and work hard in the sector.
The Role of Global Partnerships
It’s also clear that the country is not doing this alone. IATA brings a global view and connects Saudi partners with international best practices. This helps Saudi workers and companies learn from the best and show the world what they can do.
For more information on official guidelines, training standards, or to see all available official courses and partners, you can visit the IATA’s official website.
Summary: Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambition Takes Flight
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 is moving fast in the aviation world, building more than just airports and fleets of planes. By working closely with IATA and a series of key partners—airlines, airport companies, and universities—the Kingdom is building up its aviation workforce for today and the years ahead. The focus on in-depth training and skill-building sets up Saudis to fill millions of jobs, not just locally but in an industry where skills are in demand across the globe.
As Vision 2030 moves forward, these steps make sure that Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth is built on firm ground: smart investments, solid training programs, and a workforce ready for international challenges. This marks the beginning of a new chapter where skilled professionals, global standards, and strong local partnerships help the Kingdom reach its full potential in aviation. With these foundations, Saudi Arabia is not just playing catch-up—it’s on its way to becoming a leader in world aviation.
Learn Today
IATA (International Air Transport Association) → A worldwide trade association for airlines, setting standards and offering training and support for global aviation.
CBTA (Competency-Based Training and Assessment) → An approach to training that focuses on demonstrated job skills and competencies instead of time-based education.
Vision 2030 → Saudi Arabia’s government plan to diversify its economy and grow sectors like aviation, tourism, and business by 2030.
Dangerous Goods Courses → Specialized aviation training in the identification, handling, and transport of hazardous materials in line with safety regulations.
Regional Training Centers → Institutions collaborating with IATA to deliver aviation-specific education and professional development in Saudi Arabia.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is transforming through IATA’s strategic training partnerships, crucial for Vision 2030. Over 1,000 Saudis will receive specialized aviation training. This initiative supports economic diversification, creates new jobs, and ensures the workforce meets global standards, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation and travel across the Middle East.
— By VisaVerge.com
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