Women are increasingly holding significant roles within the Saudi Arabian low-cost airline flyadeal, contributing to its rapid expansion and supporting the broader national vision, Vision 2030. Approximately one-third of the airline's 1,800 employees are women, with a notable historical milestone achieved in 2022 when flyadeal operated the Kingdom’s first domestic flight with an all-women crew.
The airline is actively recruiting Airbus A320 captains, first officers, and cabin crew, reflecting a growing trend of female participation across various operational levels. Beyond frontline roles, women are also engaged in critical functions such as operations control, demonstrating their expanding influence within the company.
At the Women in Aviation (Middle East) General Assembly in Riyadh, flyadeal’s marketing and customer experience head, Hazar Hafiz, highlighted the numerous opportunities for women in the aviation sector. Hafiz, who joined flyadeal in 2022 with 18 years of marketing experience, emphasized that once women enter the industry, they find it challenging to leave due to its dynamic nature.
Similarly, Rawan Aljehani, head of digital, data & business intelligence, shared insights on the tech side of aviation, noting that women's skills in detail-oriented analysis and structured thinking are valuable assets in this field. She has spearheaded the airline’s digital initiatives and adopted business intelligence tools to enhance strategic decision-making.
Flyadeal’s leadership, including CEO Steven Greenway, acknowledged the growing presence and influence of women within the company. Greenway remarked that Hafiz and Aljehani embody the spirit of success within a vibrant and evolving industry, and affirmed the airline's commitment to digital innovation, potentially including inflight connectivity in the future.
The Women in Aviation Middle East Assembly also emphasizes the broader societal impact, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of providing equal opportunities for women across all economic sectors. Rawan Aljehani expressed pride in witnessing women leaders shaping the future of aviation through digital transformation and data-driven innovation. Overall, the story of flyadeal illustrates the significant strides women are making in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
