Oman has taken a significant step toward enhancing its aviation infrastructure with the establishment of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Muscat International Airport. The initiative aims to attract investment across the aviation supply chain and bolster the country’s position as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance services.
On October 5, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) signed a 20-year concession agreement with PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia (GMF AeroAsia), a subsidiary of Indonesia’s Garuda Indonesia Group, to develop and operate the new MRO hub. Oman Air, the national carrier, is also a key partner in the venture, and its fleet is expected to provide the initial base of maintenance demand for the facility.
The MRO center, designed to support both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, is conceived to retain a larger portion of aircraft maintenance expenditures within Oman. The facility is intended to develop gradually, initially focusing on servicing Oman Air’s needs before expanding to serve other airlines from the Middle East and beyond. This phased approach aims to build technical capabilities and operational capacity while establishing a diverse customer base.
Officials highlight the broader economic and aviation-sector benefits expected from the project. Besides aircraft maintenance, the operation is poised to stimulate investment in several related areas, including component repair, spare parts distribution, specialized logistics, tooling, and technical training. It is also anticipated to create skilled employment opportunities for Omani nationals and promote the transfer of advanced engineering expertise.
GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi noted that the project marks the company’s first facility presence in the Middle East region, providing strategic proximity to customers and laying the groundwork to serve a wider maintenance market. Oman’s geographical location, situated at the crossroads of the Gulf, Asia, Africa, and Europe, offers access to a broad base of airline operators and supports expanding Muscat International Airport’s capabilities beyond passenger and cargo operations.
The CAA retains ownership of the MRO hangar and regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards under the terms of the concession agreement. Legal guidance throughout the agreement process was provided by Omani firm Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co. (AMJ), which developed the contractual framework and supported negotiations with GMF AeroAsia and Oman Air.
In addition to the concession agreement, GMF AeroAsia formalized a cooperation framework with Mach Aerospace International aimed at enhancing aviation capabilities and supporting human resource development. Together, these partnerships seek to build a comprehensive ecosystem around the MRO facility, further strengthening Oman’s position in the global aviation sector.