Where the job boom begins 

35,000 jobs are expected to be created in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, and it starts with one of the boldest transformations in the region’s history: the General Aviation Roadmap (GAR) by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) 

This expansion is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework[1], which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and build competitive, high-impact sectors. With domestic travel and tourism on the rise, the demand for private and corporate aviation services is accelerating[1]. In response, the Saudi Aviation Strategy (SAS), approved in 2020, was developed to support this demand and deliver a globally recognized aviation ecosystem[1]. 

Backed by SAR 365 billion in projected investment by 2030[1], this roadmap is designed to unlock job creation at every stage of the aviation value chain 

The strategy behind the growth

The GAR aligns directly with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030[1]. It represents a comprehensive policy effort by GACA to build out general aviation (GA), which includes non-commercial, corporate, private, and recreational flying. This includes business jets, helicopters, turboprops, and ultralights[1]. 

The roadmap’s intent is to create a competitive and attractive environment for local and international operators, improve regulation, expand infrastructure, and position Saudi Arabia as a global general aviation hub[1]. 

Where the jobs will be: Airlines and operators to watch

While the GAR focuses on general aviation, its ripple effect extends into the broader aviation ecosystem. Jobseekers should monitor expansion across both GA-specific operators and commercial airlines. 

Aircraft Operators (AOs) in Saudi Arabia are set to grow[1], driven by policy that welcomes new players and world-class aviation brands[1]. Emerging and established airlines such as Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal, and Riyadh Air are also expanding, offering increased opportunities across engineering, operations, and customer service.[2]

For future aviation professionals: Where to start 

With rising demand for certified pilots and aviation professionals, academic institutions are ramping up their training offerings. The GAR notes increasing demand for piston fixed-wing training, which supports both commercial and recreational use[1]. 

Aspiring professionals should consider top Saudi aviation academies such as: 

• Tayaran National Aviation Academy 

• Prince Sultan Aviation Academy 

• Prince Sultan University 

These institutions are expected to play a key role in developing local aviation talent[2]. 

Beyond aviation: Industries set to benefit

The GAR outlines a broad, multisectoral impact that goes far beyond pilots and air traffic controllers. Here's how this roadmap will create job opportunities across allied industries: 

Infrastructure Development 

• GAR outlines the development of 6 new general aviation airports and 9 terminals[1] 

• Construction, engineering, and project management roles will grow rapidly 

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) 

• Significant investment is allocated to building in-Kingdom MRO capabilities[1] 

• Demand will rise for technicians, quality inspectors, and aviation engineers 

Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) 

• The number of FBOs is expected to increase[1], with a push to raise service standards and simplify licensing[1] 

• Roles in fueling, logistics, and ground operations will grow 

Aviation Services 

• The GAR promotes the growth of aviation insurance, financing, and leasing sectors[1] 

• Legal, financial, and insurance professionals will find new opportunities 

Tourism & Hospitality 

• With giga-projects driving tourism, the use of ultralights and turboprops for destination travel is expected to surge[1] 

• This expansion will support jobs in hotels, transportation, and tour operations 

Ancillary & Catering Services 

• Catering demands for executive and private aviation will increase 

• Ancillary services around airport zones—retail, warehousing, and security—will also scale[1] 

Ready to take off? 

The aviation industry is soaring with opportunities! Here are a few specific roles you might consider:

1) Senior Civil/Structural Engineer (Aviation) jobs in Parsons Corporation in Riyadh - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf 
2) Pilot jobs in AmbeInternational in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf
3) VIP Flight Attendant jobs in Zenon Aviation in Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf 
4) AH6i Instructor Pilot jobs in V2X in Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf 
5) AH-6i Helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot jobs in S3 Arabia in Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf 
6) Technical Project Manager jobs in AHOY in Jeddah - Saudi Arabia - Naukrigulf

If you find these roles intriguing but feel they might not be the perfect fit for you, don’t worry—there’s an even broader selection of aviation jobs waiting for you over at Naukrigulf. Embrace the chance to explore hundreds of openings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and let your career take flight. Your future in aviation is just a click away! 

Confused about the right salary to ask for? Avoid the guesswork—use Naukrigulf’s Salary Search to discover the most accurate salary benchmarks and negotiate your offer with confidence. It’s about empowering Saudi talent, attracting global expertise, and creating ripple effects across multiple industries. For jobseekers, students, and professionals eyeing a future in aviation or its connected sectors, the runway is wide open. 

References:

1. General-Aviation-Strategy-Brochure-En.pdf 
2. GACAannualreport2024V8 (1).pdf