IATA announces training initiatives with Saudi partners to boost aviation skills

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
May

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings

Global Industry News

IATA announces training initiatives with Saudi partners to boost aviation skills

Research

Leslie MacIntosh Corporate Secretary & Acting General Counsel | International Air Transport Association - IATA

By Sky Industry News

May 6, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has entered into several training agreements with Saudi airlines, airports, and academic institutions. These agreements aim to provide critical skills needed for the Kingdom's expanding aviation sector. The agreements were announced in Jeddah on May 6-7, 2025.

Initially, over 1,000 aviation graduates and employees will receive training in areas such as airport development, safety, airline management, and ground operations. Currently, aviation contributes USD 90.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and supports 1.4 million jobs. This contribution is anticipated to grow significantly as travel and tourism become central to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East stated: “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.”

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The training agreements for 2025 include partnerships with Riyadh Airports Company and Qassim University as Regional Training Partners. Prince Sultan Aviation Academy will expand its course offerings. Across these entities, more than 60 courses will be available covering various aspects of airport development and operations.

IATA will offer industry awareness courses to graduates at Riyadh Air and Saudia Airlines to attract national talent for future leadership roles within the airlines. Additionally, Dangerous Goods Courses will be provided to personnel at the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation.

SAL Saudi Logistics Services has been certified as a CBTA Center while Saudi Ground Services renewed both its CBTA Center and Training Validation Program certification for ground operations training.

For further details, interested parties are encouraged to contact Corporate Communications.