Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Welcomes 40 Students from Saudia Technic to Support Growing Aviation Workforce Need

(Tulsa, OK, Tuesday, January 13, 2026) — On November 17, 2025, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology’s Tulsa campus welcomed an inaugural cohort of 40 students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with Saudia Technic. This diverse class comprised of both men and women, officially began their training in Spartan’s Federal Aviation Administration Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program.  

Spartan, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been an aviation training destination since 1928, with a legacy of training over 100,000 pilots and technicians from the United States and more than 40 other countries.

Saudia Technic, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) arm of Saudia Airlines.  With over six decades of operation and more than 2,700 certified aviation technicians, it is one of the leading MRO service providers in the Middle East.

Recognizing the critical role of aviation in Saudi Vision 2030, the Spartan–Saudia Technic partnership aims to make a significant impact on the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a premier, global aviation hub.  Upon their return, the graduates who do earn an FAA Airframe and

Powerplant Certification will be integral to localizing advanced aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities within the Kingdom, as Saudia Technic accelerates the development of a self-sufficient world class aviation workforce. 

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) recognized Saudia Airlines with one of the airline industry’s highest honors, noting, “Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been recognized as the World Class Airline 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fifth consecutive year. The award was presented during the APEX World Class™ global awards ceremony, underscoring the success of Saudia’s strategy which focuses on enhancing the travel experience, raising guest satisfaction across all service touchpoints, and ensuring the highest levels of operational safety across its network of more than 100 destinations spanning four continents.”

“Having had the opportunity to meet these young men and women, we couldn’t be more excited to have them in Tulsa, Oklahoma,” said Kari Pahno, Spartan Tulsa Campus President. “Spartan College is honored to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s investment in technical training and workforce development, and we look forward to helping these aspiring professionals reach their full potential.” 

Abdulrahman Sadawi, Supervisor of Learning and Development for Saudia Technic, worked closely with Dan Bregman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development at Spartan to create the partnership between their respective companies resulting in a training pathway for these students.

Led by Fouad Kasem, Supervisor Talent Acquisition Nationalization, 40 students were meticulously selected, by Saudia Technic, from a highly competitive pool of candidates based on rigorous academic and technical assessments. While in Tulsa, Spartan’s curriculum teaches critical technical skills, and the students will experience the culture of the second-largest aviation training center in the United States.

 “This significant investment in our young talent is a key step in our strategy to build the most capable and technologically advanced maintenance workforce in the region. These 40 future leaders will be the engine driving Saudia Technic's expansion," said Thamer Filimban, head of Learning and Development at Saudia Technic. This landmark partnership between Spartan and Saudia Technic represents a powerful and tangible commitment to the goals of Saudia Airlines. Together, Spartan and Saudia Technic are not just enhancing their operational strength but are laying the crucial foundation for deep collaboration over the coming years.

International students who are interested in FAA-approved aviation training are encouraged to visit www.spartan.edu/international to explore Spartan’s programs and available support services. Spartan’s Office of International Student Services assists with selecting a program, completing the immigration process, and navigating the first days on campus, with help available through both Admissions Representatives and the Office of Student Affairs. Admissions Representatives guide students through program details, onboarding, and international admissions, while Student Affairs aids cultural and academic adjustment and provides community and health-service resources.

About Saudia Technic

Saudia Technic, headquartered at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, stands as the premier MRO service provider in the Middle East. Renowned for its expertise, the company offers a comprehensive suite of maintenance services, guaranteeing unparalleled excellence and safety across aviation operations

About Spartan Education Group 

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, IL, owns and operates several aviation training operations. McAir Aviation, in Broomfield, CO, and Illinois Aviation Academy, in West Chicago, IL, are FAA-approved Part 141 flight schools. Spartan Flight Academy is an FAA Part 61 operation in Grand Prairie, Texas. Separately, SEG owns Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, a system of three schools with four locations in the Tulsa, Denver, Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas. Programs, credential levels, technology, scheduling options, accreditation, and licensing vary by college campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.