First Saudi female air traffic controllers begin work

Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) celebrated on Wednesday the appointment and start of work of the first batch of Saudi female air traffic controllers at an air traffic control center in Jeddah.

Eleven women completed a one-year program conducted by SANS in cooperation with the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation. This is the first program to qualify women to work as air traffic controllers.

The initiative between SANS and the academy, seeks to create more jobs for women as part of a reform push to wean the economy off oil as Vision 2030 plan aims to increase employment and diversify revenue sources.

Earlier, SANS CEO Eng. Ryyan Tarabzoni said the state-owned company was prioritizing the hiring of women in the profession, as the country pushes to extend women empowerment in the country and also recruit and invest in Saudi Talents.