Oman Air has partnered with Indonesian aircraft maintenance company GMF AeroAsia to launch Oman GMF Technic, a new joint venture that will be Oman’s first aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

The initiative is a major milestone in the development of Oman’s aviation sector. The partnership intends to bring new aircraft maintenance capabilities in the country to attract business from international aviation markets and establish the Sultanate as a competitive regional destination for MRO services.

The joint venture was officially announced at a ceremony at the new MRO facility at the Muscat International Airport. The event took place under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamood Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of Oman Air, in the presence of His Excellency Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance. The facility has been recently inaugurated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman.

Oman GMF Technic will deliver both base maintenance and line maintenance services, catering to airlines operating in Oman as well as regional and international customers.

Beyond establishing new technical capabilities, the project is intended to retain a greater share of aircraft maintenance business within Oman. By reducing the need for airlines to send aircraft overseas for maintenance, the venture is expected to generate additional commercial opportunities and strengthen the country's position in the aviation services market.

Developing an international MRO operation that is competitive

The partnership is an opportunity for Oman Air to grow the aviation infrastructure of the country and develop a maintenance operation that can cater to a wider international customer base.

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Nasser Al Sharji said the launch was a “particularly significant moment” for the national aviation industry.

He pointed to the combination of GMF AeroAsia’s expertise and the new, state-of-the-art facility as a potential to build a world-class MRO operation in the Sultanate.

Sharji also stressed that the project is not only about attracting aircraft maintenance business. A further key goal is the development of a professional working environment where Omani employees can build their technical skills and pursue long-term careers.

The airline plans to serve domestic carriers and attract aircraft and aviation related business from around the region and international markets. The CEO said it would create more economic opportunities and boost the aviation sector’s contribution to the national economy.

GMF AeroAsia increases international footprint

The deal with Oman Air is an opportunity for GMF AeroAsia to bring its aircraft maintenance expertise outside Indonesia and strengthen its presence in the international MRO market.

GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi said the collaboration is expected to present more extensive business opportunities and bring Indonesian aircraft maintenance capabilities to the international market.

He further pointed out the advantages for the GMF workforce, particularly in terms of experience with international operations and being directly involved with the global MRO ecosystem. The employees will have an opportunity to broaden their professional experience, improve their technical skills and gain a wider knowledge of international aviation maintenance requirements.

Fahrurrozi said he was confident the expansion would enhance GMF’s global competitiveness, create added value for the aviation industries of both countries and support Indonesia’s national economy through export of services.

Building skills and expertise in aviation in Oman

Another key pillar of the Oman GMF Technic partnership is workforce development.

The joint venture will develop specialized engineering skills among Omani professionals through technical training, knowledge transfer and access to GMF AeroAsia’s extensive maintenance expertise.

The initiative is expected to open up new career opportunities for local talent, helping Omanis gain the technical skills required to support a growing aircraft maintenance industry.

Oman Air believes that transferring expertise is vital to ensuring that the new operation delivers lasting benefits to the community beyond its commercial activities.

Oman wants to become a regional center for aircraft maintenance

Another advantage for the development of the new MRO operation is Oman’s geographic location.

The country sits at the crossroads of major aviation markets with connectivity between the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. “This strategic location, coupled with the modern infrastructure, offers the opportunity to attract airlines and aircraft maintenance customers from a wide international market.”

Oman Air and GMF AeroAsia, via Oman GMF Technic, wish to take advantage of these benefits to create a competitive aircraft maintenance center for local and international requirements.

So the joint venture is more than just the introduction of a new maintenance facility. It is also part of Oman’s wider ambition to grow its aviation capabilities, develop niche national expertise, attract international business and increase the economic contribution of the aviation industry.