The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman signed several agreements on Monday aimed at expanding aviation services and promoting investment in the sector. These agreements were announced during the Civil Aviation Forum, which emphasized opportunities in airport cities, free zones, logistics services, foreign investment, emerging technologies, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), alongside initiatives for training and national talent development.
The forum highlighted prospects for land development and commercial and logistics activities surrounding Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar airports. These airports are positioned to become integrated economic hubs supporting broader regional growth. The CAA is focusing on leveraging these locations to enhance Oman's role in the aviation and logistics industries.
Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the CAA, explained that the authority’s “Ethmar” Strategic Programme is dedicated to studying investment opportunities within the civil aviation sector and its assets. A committee formed from specialists across government and private sectors has worked to structure and prepare these opportunities for investors, with a newly established Investment Department now tasked with advancing them toward implementation.
The National Aviation Strategy 2040 underpins these efforts, placing partnership with the private sector at its core. The strategy features the “Private Sector Attraction Programme,” which aims to draw up to RO 1.7 billion (roughly $4.4 billion) in private investment by 2040.
Among the agreements signed, the CAA finalized a concession deal with Indonesia-based GMF AeroAsia for the operation and management of the aircraft maintenance building and facilities at Muscat International Airport. This arrangement includes plans to provide heavy maintenance and periodic inspections for national, regional, and international airlines, potentially incorporating Oman Air in the future. The partnership is expected to transform Muscat International Airport into a regional hub for aviation maintenance, benefiting from Oman’s strategic geographic location. It also seeks to facilitate knowledge transfer, advanced technology adoption in airframe, engine, and avionics maintenance, and the creation of specialized employment opportunities for Omani nationals.
Additionally, a concession agreement was signed with Oman Airports, granting the company the authority to operate, manage, and develop Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, and Sohar Airport. The agreement aims to ensure that Omani civil airports are managed according to international best practices in airport facility management and ground handling, while adhering to high safety and security standards. It also sets goals to enhance passenger experience through capacity increases and service quality improvements utilizing modern technologies.
Further cooperation agreements were signed, including one between Oman Aviation Academy and Arab Aviation Academy to collaborate on student training. Another memorandum of understanding between GMF AeroAsia and MRO International focuses on developing business in aircraft maintenance, wheels and brakes, and training, reinforcing strategic cooperation in these sectors.
Together, these initiatives reflect Oman’s broader commitment to strengthening its civil aviation infrastructure and positioning the country as a competitive player in the regional and global aviation markets.