Indonesia’s Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia (GMF), the maintenance division of the national carrier Garuda Indonesia, has secured a 20-year concession agreement with Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate and manage the aircraft maintenance facility at Muscat International Airport. The deal, signed earlier this week during the Civil Aviation Investment Forum in Muscat, marks GMF’s strategic expansion into the Middle Eastern aviation market.
Under the agreement, GMF will develop and operate the hangar and supporting infrastructure at the airport in phased stages, leveraging its technical expertise to provide aircraft maintenance services. The company views this move as a key step toward establishing a regional operational presence closer to customers in the Middle East and neighboring regions.
Andi Fahrurrozi, CEO of GMF AeroAsia, emphasized the potential to access a broader aircraft maintenance market while supporting the growth of Oman’s aviation sector through the development of advanced maintenance capabilities. “With our experience and capabilities, we see an opportunity to serve a broader aircraft maintenance market while contributing to the growth of Oman’s aviation industry,” he stated.
Oman’s CAA will retain ownership of the hangar and act as the concession provider, overseeing regulatory compliance and ensuring adherence to aviation safety and operational standards within the country. According to the authority, the partnership aims to offer heavy maintenance and periodic inspection services to the fleets of national, regional, and international airlines.
This initiative also supports Oman’s ambition to transform Muscat International Airport into a regional hub for aviation maintenance and services, capitalizing on the country’s strategic geographic location. The project is designed not only to enhance technical services but also to enable the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies related to airframe, engine, and avionics maintenance.
Additionally, the agreement is expected to foster specialized employment opportunities for Oman’s national workforce, promoting skill development within the aviation sector. The collaboration aligns with broader regional efforts to expand aviation infrastructure and enhance service capabilities amid growing demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.