Oman’s Mach Aerospace International and Indonesia’s GMF AeroAsia have announced a partnership targeting an investment of approximately RO 25.4 million (around $66 million) to develop aviation sector capabilities including aircraft maintenance, engineering training, and component manufacturing. The initiative aligns with Oman’s broader strategy to expand its aviation industry to serve both domestic and international markets, leveraging the country’s strategic location and infrastructure.
Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud al Harthi, Chairman of Mach Aerospace International, outlined that the investment will be directed toward three primary projects: an aircraft structural components factory, an aircraft wheel and brake maintenance centre, and an aviation engineering academy. The aircraft components manufacturing facility represents the largest portion of the investment, with a capital outlay of RO 12.6 million. This project is expected to take 12 to 18 months to implement after finalising all requirements.
Preparatory work has already begun on the wheel and brake maintenance centre, which aims to initially serve airlines operating in Oman before expanding its customer base across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East, Africa, and neighboring regions. The centre is designed to reduce reliance on overseas service providers for frequent wheel and brake maintenance, potentially shortening turnaround times and fostering specialized expertise within Oman. Efforts will be made to secure approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority and relevant international certifications, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 certification, as the facility broadens its scope.
The aviation engineering academy will focus on training Omani engineers and technicians to meet international standards, particularly in aircraft engineering and maintenance streams B1 and B2. The academy’s programmes will also cover specialised areas such as aircraft structures, systems, and components. Training capacity will be developed progressively in line with facility capabilities and accreditation requirements. Mach Aerospace International and GMF AeroAsia are collaborating to transfer technical expertise and ensure that curricula adhere to Oman’s regulatory framework, with plans to seek Part-147 accreditation for the academy.
These initiatives follow agreements signed between GMF AeroAsia, the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, and Mach Aerospace International during the authority’s investment forum. The partnership is intended to combine GMF AeroAsia’s technical knowledge with local investment and development capacity, supporting Oman’s National Aviation Strategy 2040. The strategy prioritizes private sector investment, the growth of aviation services, expansion of local maintenance and manufacturing capabilities, and workforce development.
Dr. al Harthi highlighted Oman’s geographic advantages, including its proximity to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as its airports, ports, and logistics networks that create a favorable environment for aviation services. He noted that total investment could increase over time as the manufacturing capacity, training programmes, and supporting services expand to meet market demand.