Muscat – Oman is targeting investments of RO25.4mn to develop an integrated aviation industry encompassing aircraft maintenance, engineering training and component manufacturing, in a move aimed at strengthening local capabilities and positioning the sultanate as a regional aerospace hub.

The projects involve Indonesian aviation maintenance specialist GMF AeroAsia and MACH Aerospace International, with agreements signed during an investment forum organised by the Civil Aviation Authority. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040.

Dr Abdullah bin Masoud Al Harthi, Chairman of MACH Aerospace International, told Oman News Agency that the partnership would help transform Oman’s aviation sector from one focused primarily on transport and operations into an integrated ecosystem covering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), technical training and aircraft manufacturing.

Of the estimated investment, RO12.6mn is earmarked for aircraft structural manufacturing. The overall investment could increase as industrial capacity, training facilities and supporting services expand.

Preparatory technical and regulatory work has begun on an aircraft wheels and brakes maintenance centre, while plans for an aviation engineering academy are progressing. Implementation of the academy is expected to begin in phases in 2027.

The structural manufacturing project, described by Al Harthi as the most technically advanced component of the initiative, is expected to take 12 to 18 months to implement after the final requirements are completed.

The maintenance centre will initially prioritise Omani airlines before expanding into Gulf, Middle Eastern and African markets. Localising these services is expected to reduce maintenance turnaround times, retain technical expenditure within Oman and create opportunities for domestic suppliers.

The proposed academy will focus initially on aircraft maintenance engineering, particularly B1 and B2 specialisations, alongside technical programmes covering aircraft structures, systems and components. Training will be developed in cooperation with GMF AeroAsia, with the necessary regulatory approvals and international accreditations pursued.

The manufacturing facility is expected to introduce computer numerical control (CNC) machining, sheet-metal processing and the production of structural components and sub-assemblies. Supporting capabilities will include surface treatment, non-destructive testing and precision measurement.

Al Harthi said MACH Aerospace would pursue relevant certifications, including AS9100, NADCAP and ISO 9001, according to the scope of operations, to facilitate entry into international aerospace supply chains.

The projects are also expected to create skilled employment for Omanis and generate opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in logistics, equipment supply, information technology, calibration, engineering and training.

Al Harthi attributed Oman’s appeal to its strategic location between Asia, the Middle East and Africa, developed infrastructure, integrated logistics network and investment environment.

He said the long-term ambition was to move beyond importing aviation services and components towards exporting technical expertise, industrial products and maintenance services, establishing Oman as a competitive supplier to regional and international markets.