Arab News, Tue, Mar 05, 2024 | Shaban 24, 1445
Saudi aviation professions localization plan enters 2nd phase
Saudi Arabia:
The number of Saudi flight attendants and fixed-wing pilots is set to increase
as the localization plan for the Kingdom’s aviation sector enters its second
phase.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social
Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic
Services, has announced the implementation of the second phase of localizing
licensed aviation professions in private sector establishments employing five or
more individuals in targeted aviation professions.
In the second phase, the HRSD has specified the
professions targeted, setting a 60 percent target for flight attendants and a 70
percent ratio for fixed-wing pilots, contingent on employees in the aviation
professions obtaining the professional accreditation certificate from the
General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The Ministry of Transport has reiterated its
commitment to overseeing the implementation of the program’s second phase. It
aims to enable private sector establishments to leverage all support and
employment programs offered by the Human Resources and Social Development System
to aid in the recruitment and retention of national talent.
The HRSD has issued procedural guidelines
explaining the details of the decision, its implementation, and the support and
employment programs provided to private sector establishments.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the
Saudi Airport Exhibition, held at the Riyadh International Convention and
Exhibition Center in December 2023, Mervat Sultan, president of the Women in
Aviation Middle East Chapter, noted a significant boom, with an increase in
airports, establishment of new airlines, and a rising number of tourists.
She added that the aviation industry in Saudi
Arabia is “becoming bigger and bigger and would be leading the industry in the
next 20 years.”
In 2022, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of HRSD, issued
a notification nationalizing a number of professions and economic activities —
including licensed aviation professions, opticians, and periodic inspection
activity, as well as postal service outlets and more.
The decision to localize licensed aviation
professions was announced to be implemented in two phases. The first one became
effective on March 15, 2023.
In line with its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is
undertaking an ambitious initiative to empower its citizens and boost their
global competitiveness.