MUSCAT (The Thursday Times) — Oman Air and Indonesia’s GMF AeroAsia have launched Oman GMF Technic, a joint venture that gives the sultanate its first aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul operation, the two companies said.
The venture was inaugurated on November 10 at a new maintenance facility at Muscat International Airport, recently opened by Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority. The launch was held under the auspices of Transport Minister Said bin Hamood Al Maawali, who also chairs Oman Air, and Finance Minister Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi.
Oman GMF Technic will offer base and line maintenance to airlines operating in Oman and to regional and international customers. Line maintenance covers the routine checks and minor repairs carried out between flights, while base maintenance involves heavier checks that keep an aircraft in a hangar for days.
Keeping the work at home
The companies said the venture aims to bring more aircraft maintenance business into Oman and to cut the country’s reliance on overseas maintenance providers, which means fewer aircraft flown abroad for checks.
“This is an extremely proud moment for the aviation sector in Oman,” said Nasser Al Sharji, Oman Air’s chief executive. He said the operation would serve local airlines first and then try to attract business from across the region.
Andi Fahrurrozi, GMF AeroAsia’s chief executive, said the partnership would take Indonesia’s aircraft maintenance expertise to the international market and give his staff experience abroad.
Both companies said training Omani engineers and technicians is a central aim, through knowledge transfer and technical courses that open new careers in the sector.
A 20-year concession
The launch follows a 20-year concession that GMF AeroAsia signed with Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority on October 5 covering aircraft maintenance facilities at Muscat airport. The project is part of Oman’s National Aviation Strategy 2040, which aims to turn the country into a regional aviation hub.
Neither company has disclosed how much is being invested or how many jobs the venture is expected to create.
