Riyadh Air Pilots – Unofficial Guide to Pilot Careers

This page provides an unofficial overview of pilot career paths at Riyadh Air, including roles such as First Officer B787, Direct Entry Captain B787, and Technical Pilot Boeing. It is designed to help current and aspiring pilots understand typical requirements, responsibilities, and preparation steps before checking the official Riyadh Air careers website.

This website is not affiliated with Riyadh Air. For real vacancies and applications, always refer to the official Riyadh Air careers pages and authorized recruitment channels.

1. Overview of Riyadh Air Pilot Careers

Riyadh Air is building a modern fleet and a network that will connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 destinations. Pilots based in Riyadh can expect a mix of international and domestic flying, operating from a growing hub with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and operational quality.

Pilot roles currently highlighted by Riyadh Air include:

• First Officer B787

• Direct Entry Captain B787

• Technical Pilot – Boeing

Each position has its own minimum hours, licensing, and experience requirements, which are summarized below in general terms.

2. First Officer B787 – Typical Profile

The First Officer B787 role suits experienced co-pilots who are ready to operate a widebody aircraft in a multi-crew environment.

2.1 Role Overview

• Based in Riyadh on a full-time contract

• Mix of international and domestic flights from the Riyadh hub

• Operating as part of a two-pilot crew on the Boeing 787

• Expected to uphold high standards of safety, CRM, and professionalism on every flight

In some cases, lifestyle roster options may be available, subject to company criteria and operational needs. Details of this will always be defined by the airline in official adverts.

2.2 Typical Minimum Requirements (Summary)

The current Riyadh Air First Officer B787 profile generally expects:

• Minimum around 2,000 hours total flying time on multi-crew, multi-engine jet aircraft

• Only time spent in the operating seat is counted (simulator, Flight Engineer, or Second Officer time is not usually included)

• Valid ICAO ATPL (or equivalent acceptable to the airline)

• Unrestricted Class 1 medical certificate

• ICAO English language proficiency level 4 or higher

As with any airline, the exact criteria can change over time, so always refer to the latest job posting for final requirements.

3. Direct Entry Captain B787 – Typical Profile

The Direct Entry Captain B787 role is aimed at experienced widebody commanders with a strong background in long-haul or regional jet operations.

3.1 Role Overview

• Command position on the Boeing 787

• Based in Riyadh with a full-time contract

• Mixture of international and domestic routes from the Riyadh hub

• Leadership responsibility for the flight deck and close coordination with cabin crew and operations control

Similar to First Officer roles, lifestyle roster options may be mentioned in official postings, depending on eligibility and availability.

3.2 Typical Minimum Requirements (Summary)

Current Direct Entry Captain B787 profiles typically include:

• At least approximately 6,000 hours total flying time on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft

• At least around 2,000 hours of recent command experience on widebody aircraft

• Command time preferably on Boeing 787 or 777 (or similar)

• Only time spent as operating pilot on turbojet aircraft is counted

• Valid ICAO ATPL

• Unrestricted Class 1 medical certificate

• ICAO English language proficiency level 5 or higher

• A minimum of about 150 hours in command within the 12 months prior to joining

These figures are based on current public job profiles and can be updated by the airline at any time. Always check the official vacancy for the most accurate details.

4. Technical Pilot – Boeing – Typical Profile

The Technical Pilot Boeing role combines operational flying with technical, regulatory, and fleet-support responsibilities.

4.1 Role Overview

The Technical Pilot typically:

• Acts as a key contact between Flight Operations and Boeing, other airlines, OEMs, and suppliers

• Represents Flight Operations on technical matters related to Boeing aircraft

• Supports the resolution of fleet technical issues and ongoing operational improvements

• Contributes to manuals, procedures, and technical documentation

• Continues to operate on the line as a pilot in addition to technical duties

This is a management-level pilot position requiring both strong flying experience and technical expertise.

4.2 Typical Minimum Requirements (Summary)

Based on current published profiles, a Technical Pilot Boeing may be expected to have:

• At least 10+ years of experience as a commercial pilot

• Extensive flying experience on aircraft types relevant to the Riyadh Air fleet, including B787

• At least 5+ years of command experience on Boeing aircraft

• At least 2+ years in a supervisory or management role within a large airline flight operations environment

• Experience as, or equivalent to, a Check Airman, TRI, or TRE

• Valid ICAO ATPL

• Unrestricted Class 1 medical certificate

• ICAO English language proficiency level 5 or higher

• A minimum of around 150 hours in command within the 12 months prior to joining

Again, these are indicative points. For precise eligibility, always consult the current official job description.

5. What Riyadh Air Typically Looks For in Pilots

Although each role has specific technical requirements, pilots at Riyadh Air are also expected to bring strong personal and professional qualities, such as:

• Proven commitment to safety and adherence to SOPs

• Strong CRM and teamwork skills

• Calm decision-making under pressure

• Professional communication and leadership on the flight deck

• Cultural awareness and respect in a multinational environment

• Motivation to support a growing airline and evolving network

These qualities are usually evaluated during interviews, simulator assessments, and references.

6. Assessment and Training

While the exact process will depend on the role and recruitment campaign, pilots can generally expect:

• Application screening by the talent acquisition team

• Technical and HR interviews (in person or online)

• Simulator assessments to evaluate handling skills, CRM, and decision-making

• Medical checks to confirm Class 1 fitness

• Ground school and type training (or differences training) as required

• Line training under supervision before full line release

Recurrent training, simulator checks, and line checks are carried out periodically to maintain standards and regulatory compliance.

7. How to Prepare for Riyadh Air Pilot Applications

If you aim to apply for Riyadh Air pilot jobs, you can start preparing by:

• Keeping your logbook fully accurate and up to date

• Maintaining a valid ICAO ATPL and Class 1 medical

• Ensuring your recent command and total flight hours meet the published thresholds for the role you are targeting

• Collecting and organizing digital copies of your licences, medical, check reports, and training records

• Updating your CV with clear, concise information on aircraft types flown, roles, and responsibilities

• Practicing interview and simulator scenarios commonly used in major airlines (multi-crew cooperation, non-normal procedures, and CRM)

• Staying informed about the airline’s fleet plans, routes, and strategic objectives from official sources

8. Where to Find Official Riyadh Air Pilot Vacancies

All genuine pilot vacancies, including First Officer B787, Direct Entry Captain B787, and Technical Pilot Boeing, are published through official Riyadh Air channels, such as:

• The official Riyadh Air careers website

• The airline’s verified LinkedIn or other official social media profiles

• Approved professional recruitment partners, if used by the airline

You should always apply through these official channels. Avoid third parties asking for payment in exchange for interviews or guaranteed jobs.

This website does not accept applications, cannot schedule interviews, and does not represent Riyadh Air. It exists only as a general, unofficial information resource for pilots researching Riyadh Air pilot careers.