RIYADH: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, Riyadh Air stands as a symbol of progress, championing gender diversity in aviation.

The airline, set to launch operations later this year, is not only building a world-class carrier but also breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

One testament to this commitment is its aircraft maintenance engineering program, which welcomed its first entirely female cohort — 27 in total — one year ago.

Selected from thousands of applicants, their participation underlines Riyadh Air’s dedication to diversity, inclusion and workforce development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of empowering women.

Arab News spoke with three of them — Shahad Al-Salmi, Hala Al-Zahrani and Alkhuzran Al-Roshaidan.

Al-Salmi, a 24-year-old from Makkah and a physics major at Umm Al-Qura University, described the program as an unprecedented opportunity.

“To go to college every day and have an aircraft outside of our classroom — it’s an incredible feeling,” she said. “I think the reason Riyadh Air took this step is, the CEO Tony [Douglas], he says it all the time: ‘We don’t have a heritage that holds us back.’ And I think they went with women specifically because they want to push the labor market further and provide more opportunities. They want something fresh. They want to say, ‘We are here to change the industry for the entire country.’ And that’s a powerful message for all of us.”

Al-Salmi also highlighted the sacrifices many of the trainees had made, including herself: “Most of us came from outside Riyadh. We left our families and our loved ones for this opportunity, because not only do we believe in it, but our families also believe in it.”

Al-Zahrani, a 19-year-old from Jeddah, recalls her pride on finding out she had been chosen.

“Knowing I was going to be the first in the field as a woman — and a Saudi, as well — was a very big motivation,” she told Arab News. “I think it’s really essential and crucial for us to be a part of history. That’s what they’re trying to do, not only in Saudi but worldwide. It’s very nice to know that we’re a part of that.

“We are going to be the first, we are going to be pioneers, and that’s scary and nice at the same time. But I think the nice overpowers the scary part, thanks to all the assistance we are getting.”

Al-Roshaidan, a 21-year-old from Al-Ahsa with a degree in computer science from King Faisal University, sees the program as part of a larger movement.

“Even beyond being a pioneer, it’s being part of the vision for Saudi Vision 2030. That’s amazing,” she said.

Eager to explore various roles within aviation, she added: “I want to try everything that I can try with this, like management, [being a] technician — everything. I really like to challenge myself and I think it will make things so much easier and provide so many opportunities. I’m very honored to be here.”

On the gender imbalance when it comes to aircraft maintenance, Al-Roshaidan said: “It’s not only in Saudi Arabia, but the world; maintenance is male-dominated. I think it makes me appreciate even more that they [Riyadh Air] want to do something. The main thing is opening doors for women. It feels like being a part of the history of women empowerment.”

Although Al-Roshaidan’s family had some initial concerns about her decision to take part in the program, they are completely on board with it now.

“For my family, it was scary, but when they saw me here, and I am happy, doing well, they became proud. One of my brothers — he is the one who pushed me to do it, he is the one who encouraged my mom to let go of the fear. They call me every single day. We send photos of everything,” she said.

Riyadh Air’s initiative comes at a time when women make up just 3 percent of aircraft maintenance engineers worldwide, according to figures from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

With the aviation industry facing a shortage of skilled technicians, the new airline is not merely filling roles, but actively reshaping industry norms and establishing a sustainable talent pipeline. The rigorous program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on training in areas such as electrical systems, aircraft structures and safety protocols.

Trainees are exposed to dynamic learning environments that challenge them to adapt quickly, mirroring the rapid pace of change in Riyadh itself.

As one of the first women to enter the field with Riyadh Air, the women represent a new generation of aviation professionals in Saudi Arabia. Moving to Riyadh was a major transition for many of them, as few are local. But despite the changes, they bonded quickly as they live together in shared housing.

“We have built a community within ourselves and with the company. It doesn’t feel like just another job,” said the trainees.

While aviation remains a male-dominated field, the group is determined to challenge perceptions.

“This program didn’t exist before,” they pointed out in unison. “There are so many opportunities for future generations, and we are grateful to be part of this first wave. It’s not just about pushing women into the workforce — it’s about strengthening the economy; if you are only hiring men, you are limiting your labor force.”

With some 18 months left of their training, the students are already anticipating the next phase of their careers.

“Every day, we walk to class and see an aircraft. We know we are working towards something bigger,” they said.

As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flight in 2025, these young women are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the airline’s future and their presence marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

Their journey, marked by personal sacrifice and relentless ambition, serves as a powerful statement for both the nation and the global aviation community.

On the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Riyadh Air’s commitment to empowering women in aviation is testament to the transformative impact of investing in women.

“We all want to serve our country and see it prosper and that doesn’t come at the cost of anyone,” Al-Salmi added. “We are not replacing men; we are working alongside them — that’s what I believe women empowerment is all about.”

The women see the program as a launch pad for further greatness. Al-Zahrani concluded: “As Shahad [Al-Salmi] mentioned before, the sky is the limit. I said, ok, but we are going to be IN the sky. It’s not our limit — we really don’t have limits.”