OMR 25.4 Mn to build integrated aviation industries and services system in Oman

Muscat: The agreement and Memorandum of Understanding signed by "GMF AeroAsia" with the Civil Aviation Authority, and the signing of an agreement between GMF AeroAsia and the global company MACH Aerospace during the Investment Forum organized by the Authority, represent a strategic step to strengthen the aviation sector in the Sultanate of Oman through the localization of global technologies and expertise, and the development of national capabilities in engineering, maintenance and manufacturing of aircraft components, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040. Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud Al-Harthi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MACH Aerospace Global, said that the partnership represents a transformation in the path of the Omani aviation sector from transport and operations services to an integrated system that includes maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering training, and manufacturing of aircraft components and structures. He explained in a statement to the Oman News Agency that the partnership aims to establish a sustainable industrial and technical base that combines the expertise of GMF AeroAsia, and the local investment and development of MACH Aerospace Global, in a way that supports the development of the value chain in the aviation sector, the localization of maintenance capabilities, attracting private sector investments, and developing national competencies. He added that the preparatory, technical and regulatory work for the Tires and Brakes Center has begun in preparation for implementing the next phase after completing the necessary approvals and requirements, while work is also underway in parallel to establish the Aviation Engineering Academy by completing the requirements for programs, curricula, facilities and accreditations, with gradual implementation set to begin during 2027. He pointed out that the project to manufacture structural airframes is the largest and most technically advanced within the system, expecting that its implementation will take between 12 and 18 months from the date of completing the final requirements. He clarified that preliminary studies indicate that the total investments required to implement the projects may amount to about OMR 25.4 million (USD 66 million), including about OMR 12.6 million (USD 33 million) in targeted capital investment for the aircraft structural airframes manufacturing project, with the possibility of an increase in total investments through different phases as industrial, training and supporting services capabilities expand. He said that the choice of the Sultanate of Oman is based on its strategic location between Asia, the Middle East and Africa, its advanced infrastructure, airports, ports and integrated logistics system, stability, investment environment and the government's vision to develop the aviation sector. He added that the National Aviation Strategy 2040 places private investment, development of aviation services, localization of maintenance work, and building human capital among its priorities, providing a suitable environment for the growth and expansion of these projects. He explained that the Aircraft Wheels and Brakes Maintenance Center represents a vital component in the aviation system due to the frequent maintenance cycles of these parts, noting that localizing the service will keep an important part of technical spending inside Oman instead of sending components abroad. He added that the center will contribute to building specialized local expertise, reducing maintenance time, supporting local and regional airlines, and creating a supply chain for spare parts, equipment and logistical and technical services. He stressed that the project targets both local and foreign markets; priority will be given to airlines in Oman before expanding to the markets of the GCC, the Middle East, Africa and nearby markets, noting that the facility will be developed according to the necessary technical and regulatory standards to obtain the required accreditations, including the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman, and with expansion, appropriate international accreditations will be targeted, including the European License - EASA Part-145, according to the scope of services and final approvals. He explained that the Aviation Engineering Academy focuses on developing human competencies alongside equipment and facilities, and aims to prepare Omani engineers and technicians according to international standards, and link training to labor market needs and maintenance and manufacturing projects. He pointed out that the absorptive capacity will be determined according to the facility design and accreditation requirements, with it increasing gradually in conjunction with the expansion of programs to graduate qualified and employable cadres in the aviation sector. He clarified that the first phase will focus on aircraft engineering and maintenance, especially the B1 and B2 tracks, and specialized technical programs in the maintenance of aircraft structures, systems and components. He added that the company is working with GMF AeroAsia to transfer training knowledge and expertise and develop programs according to the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman, targeting appropriate international accreditations, including EASA Part-147, according to official approvals. He said that the aircraft structural airframes manufacturing project targets in its first phase the establishment of industrial capabilities including manufacturing with CNC technologies, sheet metal work, and some structural parts and sub-assemblies of aircraft, in addition to surface treatment, non-destructive testing, metrology and engineering tools. He explained that the scope of products will gradually expand according to accreditations, supply agreements and the requirements of manufacturers and international clients. He stressed that the company aims to move from importing services and components to exporting knowledge, services and industrial products from Oman. He mentioned that obtaining the required accreditations, such as AS9100, NADCAP and ISO 9001 according to the scope of operations, will open the door for the factory to gradually join international supply chains and serve the markets of the Gulf, Middle East, Africa and Asia, reaching other global markets. He pointed out that the project is in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040, especially in economic diversification, attracting private sector investments, developing human capital, localizing advanced industries and services, and enhancing the role of aviation and logistics services in the national economy. He explained that local added value will be achieved through direct investments in facilities, equipment and technology, providing specialized engineering, technical and administrative jobs for Omanis, reducing dependence on external services, and retaining a larger part of spending within the national economy. He added that the projects will provide increasing demand for local suppliers in logistics, equipment and tools, information technology, facilities, transportation, training and engineering services, with the possibility of exporting aviation services and products manufactured in Oman. He stressed that small and medium enterprises will be a key partner in the system, with opportunities in logistics, transport and warehousing, supply of tools, equipment and materials, information technology, engineering services, calibration, facility management, safety, training, and administrative and support services. He pointed out that the growth of projects will contribute to developing a local supply chain that enables Omani institutions to gradually move from general services to more specialized technical and industrial services. Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud Al-Harthi stressed that the partnership is not limited to a single maintenance project or training academy or factory, but represents the beginning of building an integrated aviation system in Oman that combines maintenance, training, manufacturing, technology transfer and development of national competencies. He said that the ambition through the partnership between MACH Aerospace Global and GMF AeroAsia, in cooperation with government, regulatory bodies and partners in Oman, is to transform Oman in the coming years into a competitive hub for aviation services and industries serving local, regional and international markets. It is noteworthy that the Indonesian company GMF AeroAsia is considered one of the prominent global companies specialized in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and is one of the companies affiliated with the Garuda Indonesia airline group, whose roots go back to 1949, and was established as an independent company in 2002, with long experience in the aircraft maintenance sector, and its cadres include thousands of employees of engineers, technicians and specialists in various fields of aviation engineering and maintenance.