flynas to build advanced pilot and cabin crew training center in Riyadh

flynas, the leading low-cost airline globally and the first in the Middle East, has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art training center in Riyadh, with an estimated investment exceeding 200 million riyals (SAR), in partnership with leading global and local companies including Airbus, CAE, and Restart. This initiative aims to strengthen flynas' training capabilities and develop national talent in the aviation sector.

The center, scheduled to open in 2028, will cover nearly 13,000 square meters in the Al-Rimal district of Riyadh, less than 10 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. It will have the capacity to accommodate around 700 trainees daily, providing a comprehensive and advanced training environment to meet the rapid growth in flynas operations and support the development of pilots and cabin crew to the highest international standards.

In its first phase, the project will equip the center with three advanced flight simulators. The facility is designed to house up to eight simulators, with future expansion possible to accommodate 14 simulators, in addition to comprehensive equipment for hands-on safety and operational training.

Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, said: "The training center underscores flynas' commitment to investing in the qualification of national talent for specialized roles in the aviation sector, in line with our ambitious growth and expansion strategy and our contribution to achieving national targets with skilled Saudi professionals."

Almohanna added: "Investing in training infrastructure and the continuous development of national talent is a key pillar to keep pace with the rapid growth of the aviation sector in the Kingdom and to enhance the readiness of Saudi professionals for specialized roles required by the sector's future."

The center will enable flynas to boost its internal training capabilities, improve the efficiency and quality of training operations, reduce reliance on external training providers, lower the cost of training pilots and cabin crew, and achieve sustainable financial savings for the company, thereby increasing operational readiness and supporting long-term growth and expansion plans.

This project is also part of flynas' strategy to invest in modern technologies and human capital development, enhancing the readiness of its workforce to keep up with the ongoing expansion of its fleet, destination network, and operations. It contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, particularly in developing the aviation sector, localizing specialized jobs, and building national capabilities.