Dreaming of jet-setting in style while representing Saudi Arabia’s newest and sleekest airline? Riyadh Air is on the lookout for cabin crew who are as polished in the air as they are grounded in professionalism. But how do you go from daydreaming at your desk to welcoming passengers aboard a Riyadh Air Boeing 787?
Let’s break it down — step by stylish step.
✈️ Why Riyadh Air?
Launched in 2023 as Saudi Arabia’s flagship boutique airline, Riyadh Air is poised to become a global player with ambitions as big as its Boeing fleet. The airline combines luxury hospitality, cutting-edge tech, and a refreshed image of Saudi Arabia’s global travel vision.
If you’re thinking, “This isn’t your typical Gulf airline,” you’d be right. Riyadh Air is aiming to offer premium service without the traditional frills — think high-end, understated, and ultra-modern.
Why this matters to you:
Being part of Riyadh Air’s inaugural cabin crew means helping shape the brand from the ground up. You’re not just a flight attendant — you’re an ambassador for a country mid-transformation.
Eligibility Requirements for Riyadh Air Cabin Crew
Let’s start with the basics — here’s what Riyadh Air looks for in its cabin crew applicants:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Height | Minimum 160cm (must reach overhead bins) |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent required |
| Languages | Fluent in English (Arabic or other languages = bonus) |
| Appearance | Well-groomed, professional, and in line with grooming standards |
| Health | Medically fit with good vision and the ability to pass a full aviation medical |
| Visa eligibility | Must be eligible for employment in Saudi Arabia |
Note: Riyadh Air places high emphasis on hospitality experience and cultural sensitivity. Previous airline or luxury hospitality experience is a plus.
What Riyadh Air is really looking for
You’ve got the height, the passport, and maybe even the smile — but do you have what Riyadh Air is actually looking for?
✨ Soft skills are King (or Queen)
This isn’t just about handing out hot towels with a grin. Riyadh Air wants cabin crew who are:
- Culturally sensitive: You’ll serve passengers from across the globe, including high-profile diplomatic and business travellers.
- Quick on your feet: Emergencies don’t knock first. Can you stay calm at 35,000 feet?
- Customer-obsessed: From greeting to landing, every second counts. Think luxury hotel service in the sky.
- Tech-literate: Riyadh Air is positioning itself as digitally driven. That means handling smart cabin systems, e-forms, and onboard tech.
“We’re looking for more than flight attendants. We’re hiring brand ambassadors.” – Riyadh Air HR Manager (Recruitment Event, 2024)
🔎 Extra edge – what will make you stand out?
- Language fluency beyond English (Arabic, French, Mandarin = high demand)
- Experience in hospitality, especially 5-star hotels or premium airlines
- Public speaking or acting background (for safety demos, calm authority, and charm)
- Work abroad history – a sign you adapt quickly to international life
🎓 Cabin crew training at Riyadh Air
If you make it through the final interview, congratulations — you’re now on your way to becoming an official member of the Riyadh Air family. But first comes training.
✈️ Duration & Location
- Length: 7 to 9 weeks
- Location: Riyadh Air Training Academy, Riyadh
📘 What You’ll Learn
| Module | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Safety & First Aid | Evacuation procedures, CPR, AED, fire handling |
| Service Excellence | Hospitality, food & beverage, luxury service delivery |
| Cultural Awareness | Dealing with global travellers, customs, etiquette |
| Grooming & Image | Uniform care, personal presentation |
| Aviation English | Clear communication, emergency scripts |
| Tech & Equipment | Use of onboard systems, inflight reporting tools |
Training is full-time and intense — most days run from 8am to 6pm. You’ll be tested both practically and in writing.
👗 Uniform & image standards
Riyadh Air’s cabin crew look is sleek, minimalist, and tailored. Think less flashy gold, more modern luxury.
- Uniform Colour: Deep indigo and pearl white, with optional scarf for female crew
- Grooming: Neat hairstyles, neutral makeup, clean nails, polished shoes
- Tattoos & Piercings: Must be covered or removed when in uniform
- Fitness: While not extreme, Riyadh Air expects cabin crew to maintain good physical health and energy
🌍 Life as a Riyadh Air Cabin Crew member
🕐 Schedule & flying hours
- Monthly roster: 80–110 flying hours
- Destinations: Europe, Asia, Middle East, with long-haul expansion expected in 2026
- Days off: Minimum 8 per month, with opportunities for swaps
🏠 Base
- All crew are currently based in Riyadh. Crew accommodation is provided near the airport, with shuttles to the crew centre.
✈️ Layovers
- Expect 24–48 hour layovers in cities like Paris, Singapore, Istanbul, and Milan.
- Premium crew hotels are provided with meal allowances or per diem included.
“The schedule is tight but fair. As a new airline, there’s a sense of team spirit that you don’t always find in more established carriers.” – Current Riyadh Air Crew Member (2024)
💰 Pay, perks & lifestyle: how Riyadh Air compares
Here’s where it gets juicy. How do Riyadh Air’s perks measure up to the region’s airline giants?
📊 Table: Riyadh Air vs Emirates vs Qatar vs Etihad – Pay & Perks (2025)
| Airline | Starting Salary (Monthly) | Accommodation | Allowances | Flight Benefits | Roster Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Air | SAR 9,500–11,000 | Provided, shared (private room) | SAR 1,500–2,000 (per diem + meals) | Free + family discounts | Bid system |
| Emirates | AED 10,000–12,000 | Provided | Meal & city allowances | Free + extended family | Fixed with swap option |
| Qatar Airways | QAR 9,500–11,500 | Provided | Layover per diems only | Free + limited upgrades | Fixed monthly |
| Etihad | AED 9,000–11,000 | Shared or allowance | Per diems + holiday benefits | Free + staff travel portal | Mixed roster |
🚨 Other notables:
- Riyadh Air offers family flight discounts after 1 year of service.
- Private medical insurance and retirement fund available after 6 months.
- Performance bonuses awarded annually.
✍️ Application tips from airline insiders
✅ What to do
- Polish your CV: Highlight hospitality, languages, customer-facing roles
- Practice video interviews: Clear audio, tidy background, warm smile
- Dress the part: Even if applying virtually, wear interview attire
- Be yourself – but your best version
❌ What not to do
- Don’t waffle on in your video intro — 1 minute max
- Don’t over-filter your photo – they want to see the real you
- Don’t forget to research the airline before your interview
- Don’t mention another airline as your dream job. (Yes, people do this.)
📢 Now hiring: cabin crew trainer at Riyadh Air
Want to help shape the next generation of Riyadh Air professionals?
Check out our featured job post here:
👉 Cabin Crew Trainer – Riyadh Air
This is an opportunity to help build an airline’s culture from the inside out.
✈️ Ready for takeoff?
So — what do you think? Are you ready to take your talents to the skies and help shape the future of Middle Eastern aviation?
Becoming a Riyadh Air Cabin Crew member isn’t just a job. It’s a front-row seat to Saudi Arabia’s transformation. With solid pay, global travel, and a front-facing role in one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, it might just be the passport to your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions about Riyadh Air Cabin Crew jobs:
Q1: Do I need to speak Arabic to apply?
A: No, but it helps! English is the working language onboard. That said, Arabic is a strong advantage — and other global languages like French, Spanish, or Mandarin can give you an edge.
Q2: Can I apply if I’ve never worked in aviation before?
A: Yes. Riyadh Air welcomes applicants from luxury hospitality, retail, and even teaching backgrounds. If you’re customer-focused and quick on your feet, you’re in the running.
Q3: Do I have to move to Riyadh?
A: Yes. As of now, all Riyadh Air cabin crew are based in Riyadh. Accommodation is provided near the airport with free transportation to and from the crew centre.
Q4: Will I get free flights for family?
A: Not immediately, but after completing your first year of service, you’ll become eligible for discounted family travel and standby perks — just like other premium Gulf carriers.
Q5: Is there an age limit?
A: There’s no upper age limit, but most new hires are aged between 21 and 35. What matters most is professionalism, presentation, and fitness to work long hours in a safety-sensitive role.
Q6: What if I’m not selected the first time?
A: You can reapply after 6 months. Use the time to improve — work in customer service, study a new language, or practice interview skills. Airlines love persistence (as long as it’s polite!).
