Riyadh Air (RX), Saudi Arabia’s newest premium airline, is already turning heads across the aviation world. Launched with the goal of transforming Riyadh into a leading global hub, the carrier aims to rival major names like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a next-generation airline with an ultra-modern fleet, a luxury service standard, and a recruitment drive focused on attracting top international aviation talent.
Naturally, one of the biggest draws for aspiring pilots is the pay package, which has been designed to stand out even among the most competitive Gulf carriers. Riyadh Air’s pilot salaries in 2025 reflect the airline’s ambitions, generous, tax-free, and accompanied by an impressive set of perks that reward both experience and performance.
Riyadh Air Pilot Salary Overview
The salary structure for Riyadh Air pilots depends largely on rank, experience, and aircraft type. As the airline prepares for its full-scale operations, both First Officers and Captains are being hired with pay packages that can easily rival or exceed those of established Middle Eastern competitors.
Riyadh Air First Officer Salary
A Riyadh Air First Officer earns between SAR 32,000 and SAR 46,000 per month (roughly US$8,500 – $12,000). Those joining with fewer than 2,000 flight hours or transitioning from regional jets start closer to the lower end. However, experienced widebody co-pilots with advanced aircraft type ratings see higher figures.
On top of the basic salary, First Officers receive a housing allowance and per diem payments totalling around SAR 8,000–10,000 monthly. Factoring all benefits and allowances, the total annual income may reach SAR 550,000 to SAR 680,000 (approximately US$145,000 – $179,200) depending on flight hours and rostered days.
Riyadh Air Captain Salary
Captains, as expected, earn significantly more. A Riyadh Air Captain typically earns between SAR 55,000 and SAR 70,000 per month (around US$14,500 – $18,600). Long-haul captains operating the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or future Airbus A350 fleet may even exceed this range.
Moreover, including allowances, performance bonuses, and benefits, the total annual package comfortably exceed SAR 950,000 to SAR 1.2 million (around US$250,000 – $316,000), placing Riyadh Air among the highest-paying airlines in the region for captains.
As with other Middle Eastern carriers, salaries are tax-free, giving pilots a notable financial advantage. In addition, working hours are designed with strict rest policies, and the airline’s training standards ensure that crew welfare remains a top priority.
Benefits of Working as a Riyadh Air Pilot
Riyadh Air’s compensation isn’t limited to salary. Like most Gulf-based carriers, it’s the lifestyle package that often seals the deal for pilots considering a move to the Kingdom. Moreover, here’s a breakdown of what Riyadh Air pilot benefits:
- Tax-Free Income: Pilots enjoy a fully tax-free salary under Saudi labour laws, allowing them to save a larger portion of their income.
- Housing & Transport Allowance: The airline provides fully furnished accommodation in upscale Riyadh neighbourhoods or a monthly housing allowance of around SAR 8,000–12,000, depending on family size and seniority. Transport to and from work is also covered.
- Education Support: For pilots relocating with families, Riyadh Air offers school fee assistance for dependent children. Moreover, RX also covers up to 75% of tuition at international schools.
- Annual Leave & Tickets: Pilots are entitled to 45–50 days of paid annual leave, alongside free or heavily discounted tickets for themselves and their families. They can also use these privileges on Riyadh Air and partner airlines within the global network.
- Medical & Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance is provided, covering the pilot, spouse, and dependents. The coverage extends internationally during layovers or personal travel.
- End-of-Service Gratuity: As per Saudi law, pilots receive an end-of-service gratuity based on their tenure. Moreover, this often equates to three weeks’ pay for every year worked after the first five.
- Relocation Support & Settling Allowance: New hires receive financial support to relocate to Saudi Arabia, including flight tickets, and excess baggage allowance. They also receive temporary accommodation until permanent housing is arranged.
- Performance Bonuses: Annual performance-based bonuses are distributed to pilots based on punctuality, safety adherence, and overall contribution to operational efficiency.
Riyadh Air’s benefits aim to create an environment where international pilots can settle comfortably in Riyadh, offering stability, growth, and also a sense of belonging.
Requirements to Become a Riyadh Air Pilot
Given the airline’s premium positioning, Riyadh Air maintains strict standards for pilot recruitment. These are the minimum requirements typically expected for flight deck roles:
- Valid ICAO ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
- Current Class 1 medical certificate
- Minimum 3,000 flight hours for First Officers, and 5,000 hours for Captains
- Type rating on Boeing 787, 777, or Airbus A350 aircraft (preferred)
- Level 5 English proficiency or higher
- No history of aviation violations or licence suspensions
- Strong record of operational discipline and CRM (Crew Resource Management)
In addition, Riyadh Air values soft skills such as cultural adaptability, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to hospitality, all core to the airline’s vision of becoming “the world’s most inspiring airline.”
How to Become a Riyadh Air Pilot?
The hiring process for Riyadh Air pilots is a blend of modern assessment tools and traditional aviation standards. The airline follows a multi-stage approach to ensure that only the most competent and culturally aligned individuals make it to the cockpit.
- Application Submission:
Candidates apply through the official Riyadh Air careers website, uploading their resume, flight experience log, and required documents. Some openings are also shared via aviation portals such as FlightGlobal and LinkedIn. - Initial Screening:
HR and technical recruitment teams screen the applications to verify licence validity, and total flight hours, alongside compliance with experience criteria. - Online Assessment:
Shortlisted candidates complete online aptitude and psychometric tests. This assessment evaluates technical knowledge, cognitive ability, and then problem-solving in simulated environments. - Technical Interview:
The next stage includes an in-depth interview conducted by senior captains and training staff. Here, candidates are evaluated on aircraft systems knowledge, flight decision-making, and also their understanding of safety protocols. - Simulator Evaluation:
A simulator test is conducted at Riyadh Air’s training centre or a partner facility. This test simulates normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures. Captains are also tested for leadership and crew coordination. - Final Interview & Offer:
Once the simulator stage is cleared, pilots are invited for a final HR and executive interview. Successful candidates then receive a conditional offer, pending background verification, medical clearance, and visa approval.
The entire process may take anywhere from four to eight weeks. However, this also depends on the candidate’s location and visa processing timelines. Once hired, new pilots undergo induction and line training within the airline’s in-house training system before beginning full service.
Bottom Line
Riyadh Air’s vision goes beyond being just another national carrier. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), it aims to operate over 100 aircraft by 2030 and connect Riyadh to more than 100 destinations worldwide. For pilots, this also represents an unmatched opportunity to grow within a young, ambitious airline.
As the fleet expands and new aircraft types arrive, Riyadh Air is also expected to open internal upgrade pathways for First Officers aspiring to become Captains. Moreover, there will be opportunities for instructors and examiners within its training division.
FAQs
Riyadh Air (RX) pilots earn between SAR 32,000 and SAR 70,000 (US$8,500 – $18,600) per month, depending on rank and experience. Moreover, they receive housing, bonuses, and other allowances, which pushes the total annual compensation above SAR 1 million for captains.
All pilots are currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. The airline also provides accommodation options near King Khalid International Airport, with convenient access to the city’s international schools and expatriate-friendly zones.
Yes. Riyadh Air (RX) continues its pilot recruitment drive ahead of its next wave of route expansions. Openings are also periodically listed on the airline’s official website and major aviation job boards.
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