Of the 1600 pilots within Saudia approx 15% are expat, almost exclusively Captains. They fly all the line aircraft, the Special Flight Aircraft but not the Royal Aircraft.
Expat pilots are recruited for a particular aircraft and at this stage there is very little fleet progression for them.
Saudi Nationals require a high school diploma, they used to be sent to Florida to obtain their CPL/ME/IR with around 320 hours. Ideally they would start as FO on a MD90 or A300. Although presently there are a number of Second Officers on the MD90.
They will transition from the MD90/A300 to the larger aircraft or special flight depending on flight hours and requirements.
With approximately 5000 hours and B744/B777/MD11 experience they will upgrade to Captain on the MD90 and progress back up the fleet again.
Finally, what BBJ? They dont operate any.
Mutt.