Flynas Plans to Soon Hire Saudi Arabian Female Co-Pilots

(Bloomberg) -- Flynas said it will soon start recruiting Saudi women to work as co-pilots as the kingdom loosens gender restrictions to bolster economic growth.

The Riyadh-based airline said it will be the first among Saudi carriers to recruit women in senior positions.

The move aims to enable Saudi women to have a greater role in supporting the k3ingdom’s economy, Chief Executive Officer Bandar Almohanna said in a statement.

Read: Saudi Women Finally Start Their Engines as Driving Ban Ends

Under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has eased rules that had limited female participation in the workforce and removed a longstanding ban on women driving. Women, however, still need the approval of male guardians to travel or marry -- though not to obtain a driver’s license.

Established in 2007, Flynas has a fleet of 30 aircraft flying to 17 Saudi and 53 international destinations, according to its website.

©2018 Bloomberg L.P.