In a significant move towards enhancing gender diversity in the aviation sector, Riyadh Air has initiated an all-female aircraft maintenance engineering program.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural operations later this year, it aims to create a world-class carrier while breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Celebrating its first cohort of 27 women, the program was launched in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as women represent only 3 percent of aircraft maintenance engineers worldwide, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Selected from thousands of applicants, these trainees exemplify Riyadh Air's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower women in the workforce.

Among them, Shahad Al-Salmi, a 24-year-old from Makkah, expressed the significance of the program in providing unprecedented opportunities for women in aviation.

Al-Salmi and her peers have made considerable sacrifices, leaving their families and hometowns for this program in Riyadh.

Reflecting on the experience, Al-Zahrani, a 19-year-old from Jeddah, emphasized the pride of being pioneers in a field where women are still often underrepresented.

Alkhuzran Al-Roshaidan, a 21-year-old from Al-Ahsa, noted the importance of being part of the transformative movement for female representation in the workforce.

The trainees receive a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in critical areas such as electrical systems, aircraft structures, and safety protocols.

This rigorous training is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians as the global aviation industry faces a shortage in this field.

Living together in shared accommodations, the trainees have forged a strong sense of community, fostering both camaraderie and support as they navigate their studies.

They have voiced a collective commitment to changing perceptions within the industry, recognizing that their involvement is not only about personal development but also about contributing to the economic empowerment of Saudi Arabia.

With the program spanning approximately 18 months, the initial group of women is excited about their future roles within Riyadh Air and the aviation sector at large.

The airline is set to launch its operations, marking a pivotal moment in the country's aviation landscape, with these women at the forefront of this evolution.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of International Women's Day, Riyadh Air's initiative underscores the potential impact of investing in women, opening doors for future generations in the aviation industry.

The trainees have collectively expressed their vision of a collaborative work environment, emphasizing that their presence does not aim to replace male counterparts but to work alongside them towards advancements in the sector.