MUSCAT : The agreement and memorandum of understanding signed by GMF AeroAsia with the Civil Aviation Authority, along with an agreement between GMF AeroAsia and Mach Aerospace International, mark a major step towards building an integrated aviation industry in the Sultanate of Oman.

The agreements were signed during an investment forum organised by the Civil Aviation Authority and aim to localise global technologies and expertise, strengthen national capabilities and develop aircraft maintenance, engineering, training and component manufacturing in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040.

Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud Al Harthy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mach Aerospace International, said the partnership represents a shift for Oman’s aviation sector from primarily transport and operational services towards an integrated ecosystem covering maintenance, repair and overhaul, engineering training and aircraft component and structural manufacturing.

He said the partnership will combine GMF AeroAsia’s international expertise with local investment and development by Mach Aerospace International to establish a sustainable industrial and technical base in Oman.

Preliminary studies indicate that total investment required for the planned projects could reach around RO25.4 million, equivalent to US$66 million.

Of this, around RO12.6 million, or US$33 million, is targeted for the aircraft structural manufacturing project. Total investment could increase further as industrial, training and support-service capabilities expand.

Preparatory, technical and regulatory work has already begun on an aircraft wheel and brake maintenance centre, with implementation of the next phase expected after the required approvals are secured.

Work is also progressing on the establishment of an Aviation Engineering Academy, including the development of programmes, curricula, facilities and accreditation requirements. Implementation is expected to begin gradually during 2027.

The academy will initially focus on aircraft engineering and maintenance, particularly B1 and B2 tracks, along with specialised programmes covering aircraft structures, systems and components.

The company is working with GMF AeroAsia to transfer knowledge and training expertise and develop programmes in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority requirements, while also targeting relevant international accreditation, including Part-147, subject to official approvals.

Meanwhile, the aircraft structural manufacturing project is expected to be the largest and most technologically advanced element of the partnership.

The project is expected to take between 12 and 18 months to implement once final requirements are completed.

Its first phase will seek to establish capabilities including CNC manufacturing, sheet metal work, structural parts, aircraft components and sub-assemblies, along with surface treatment, non-destructive testing, metrology and engineering tools.

The range of manufactured products is expected to expand gradually based on regulatory approvals, supply agreements and demand from manufacturers and international customers.

Al Harthy said Oman was selected because of its strategic position between Asia, the Middle East and Africa, in addition to its modern infrastructure, airports, ports, integrated logistics network, investment environment and long-term plans for the aviation sector.

He said localising aircraft wheel and brake maintenance would help retain a greater share of aviation-related technical spending within Oman, while reducing turnaround times and supporting both domestic and regional airlines.

The facility is intended to initially serve airlines in Oman before expanding into GCC, Middle Eastern, African and nearby markets.

It will be developed in line with the required technical and regulatory standards, including Civil Aviation Authority requirements, with international certifications such as the European Part-145 approval targeted as operations expand.

The aircraft manufacturing project will also seek certifications including AS9100, NADCAP and ISO 9001, depending on the scope of operations, helping the facility progressively integrate into international aviation supply chains.

The partnership is also expected to generate specialised engineering, technical and administrative jobs for Omanis, while increasing demand for local suppliers across logistics, transportation, storage, IT, equipment, training, engineering services, calibration, facilities management and other support activities.

Small and medium enterprises are expected to play an important role in the emerging aviation ecosystem, with opportunities to move gradually from general support services into more specialised technical and industrial activities.

Al Harthy said the long-term objective was to move Oman from importing aviation services and components towards exporting knowledge, technical services and locally manufactured aviation products.

He added that the partnership should not be viewed simply as a maintenance project, training academy or manufacturing facility, but as the beginning of an integrated aviation ecosystem that combines maintenance, training, manufacturing, technology transfer and national skills development.

The broader ambition is to position the Sultanate of Oman as a competitive aviation services and industrial hub serving local, regional and international markets.

GMF AeroAsia of Indonesia is a major global aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company affiliated with the Garuda Indonesia Group. Its roots date back to 1949, while it was established as an independent company in 2002.

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