Oman has launched a project that will create the first maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the Gulf sultanate.
Flag carrier Oman Air is collaborating with Indonesia’s Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia (GMF AeroAsia) in the joint venture.
Last month, GMF AeroAsia signed an agreement with Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority for the operation of the facility at Muscat International Airport under a 20-year concession.
“The launch of Oman GMF Technic marks a proud milestone for Oman Air and the Sultanate of Oman,” Oman Air CEO Nasser Al Sharji said in a LinkedIn posting on Nov. 11. “Together with GMF AeroAsia, we are taking an important step towards establishing Oman’s first aircraft MRO operation.
“Oman GMF Technic is about more than aircraft maintenance,” Al Sharji noted. “It is about bringing more maintenance capabilities in-house, attracting international business to Oman, strengthening our position as an emerging aviation hub and creating new opportunities for our people through knowledge sharing, specialized training and career development.
“Our ambition is to strengthen Oman Air, develop local talent, retain expertise within the Sultanate and contribute to the growth and diversification of Oman’s economy,” he said.
GMF AeroAsia said the inauguration marked a strategic milestone for both companies in expanding their MRO capabilities and strengthening their presence across the Middle East.
The joint venture is being established as part of GMF’s strategy to expand its international footprint, particularly across the Middle East and North Africa, “where the aviation industry presents significant growth opportunities and demand for MRO services continues to rise,” the company said.
“Through our partnership with Oman Air, we aim to unlock broader business opportunities while bringing Indonesia’s aircraft maintenance expertise and capabilities to the international market,” GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi said. “GMF’s presence in Oman also provides valuable opportunities for our people to gain international exposure, broaden their experience, and further develop their competencies through direct involvement in the global MRO ecosystem.”
Al Sharji said the aim of what he described as the new state-of-the-art facility would be to service not only Omani carriers, but also to attract aircraft and aviation business “from across the region and beyond, creating new opportunities and increasing the contribution our aviation sector makes to the national economy.”
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