(Posted 09th May 2025)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) held a strategic training workshop in Jeddah, bringing together senior representatives from Saudi Arabia’s academic institutions, government, and aviation industry to explore how future training efforts can better match the sector’s evolving needs. The discussions underscored the importance of identifying existing skills gaps to ensure the workforce is equipped to support the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions under Vision 2030.
The workshop focused on three priority areas:
1. Adapting to Digital Transformation – ensuring future professionals are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven aviation industry.
2. Investing in Grassroots Training – building a strong pipeline of local talent through early-stage education and outreach.
3. Reinforcing Core Aviation Skills – maintaining focus on essential competencies such as regulatory knowledge, safety, and operational standards.
“The aviation sector is central to achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Building a workforce that is agile, digitally skilled, and grounded in global best practices is essential. This workshop marks an important step in aligning training priorities across the Kingdom and ensuring that we are addressing both current gaps and future requirements,” said Tanja Schmidt, IATA Director of Training.
Representatives included the Colleges of Excellence, Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA), Saudia, Riyadh Air, Cluster2, Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA), Qassim University, Riyadh Airports Company, flyadeal and Saudi Ground Services (SGS).
