Saudi aviation regulator issues licences to five female pilots

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has reportedly issued five licences to female pilots set to work for Saudi Arabian Airlines.

The announcement comes after a flight school in the kingdom said it was opening its doors to women after a decades long ban on female driving was lifted on June 24.

Read: Saudi aviation academy to train first women pilots

Saudi Gazette cited the GACA as confirming the move.

It said the licences were awarded under the organisation’s efforts to empower women, which have also seen a “large number” of female workers recently employed at the GACA.

Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans have seen a number of previously barred roles opened to women.

These include as border guards, soldiers and investigative officers.

Read: Saudi to hire women border guards

The ability to drive is also expected to open up new employment opportunities in sales and other areas.

Read: Saudi women expect new job opportunities after lifting of driving ban