RIYADH, 20 January — Saudi Arabian Airlines has completed a study to employ Saudi women as air stewardesses aboard its flights by the middle of this year, Al-Hayat Arabic newspaper reported yesterday.
It said Saudi women would be given the new jobs based on certain conditions. "They have to be accompanied by a mehrem (a close male relative) and work solely in Saudi air space," the paper said.
Quoting Saudia's legal experts, the paper said Saudi women could have various job opportunities at the airline without mingling with men, especially in the reservation section.
Saudia already employs female stewardesses, but they are all non-Saudi nationals. Saudi women's jobs are now restricted mainly to health or teaching sectors because of the segregation rules.
"Some Saudi women have proved their abilities in the field by working for Gulf and Arab airline companies. This makes it possible for them to get jobs on Saudia planes," the paper pointed out. It added that Saudia would provide them with the necessary training.
The new move comes as part of the government's efforts to increase job opportunities for the growing number of Saudi female graduates. Many Saudia passengers, especially pilgrims as well as Saudis traveling on domestic flights prefer Saudi stewardesses to serve their families.
Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, has emphasized that Saudi women should play their role in the country's development process.
Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, has also hinted at the government's move to expand job opportunities for women.
