Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national flag carrier, has contracted flight simulator manufacturer MPS for the delivery of an Airbus A321neo Flight Training Device (FTD-2), strengthening the airline’s in-house pilot training capability ahead of its narrowbody fleet entry.

• The A321neo FTD-2 will be delivered to Riyadh Air to support pilot training in advance of the airline’s first A321neo aircraft deliveries scheduled for Q4 2026.

• The device will be built to Airbus Standard 3.0, ensuring alignment with the latest Airbus training and operational requirements.

• Riyadh Air has firm plans for a 60-aircraft A321neo fleet, forming a core part of its narrowbody operations as it builds scale.

• The simulator acquisition supports Riyadh Air’s broader ambition to operate to more than 100 destinations by 2030, requiring early investment in scalable and cost-efficient pilot training infrastructure.

Statements

• “MPS is proud and excited to expand its footprint in the Middle East by receiving this order to support Riyadh Air’s training program,” said Philip Adrian, Chief Executive Officer of MPS. “The partnership between MPS and Riyadh Air champions their ongoing commitment for top-tier pilot development to be performed on the highest quality equipment in the Kingdom,” he added.

• “As the airline grows with the aim to operate to over 100 destinations by 2030, we have an unwavering commitment to our flight crew to ensure they have the very best training facilities at their disposal throughout their career at Riyadh Air,” said Mattias Dufva, Director Training & Standards at Riyadh Air.

Source: MPS