Oman Air and Indonesia’s PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk have opened an aircraft maintenance venture in Muscat, seeking overseas customers as Oman expands its aviation services.
The partners inaugurated Oman GMF Technic’s facility at Muscat International Airport on Nov. 10, GMF said. The joint venture plans to provide maintenance services to aircraft operators in Oman and to customers abroad.
The opening follows an Oct. 5 agreement under which GMF received a 20-year concession to develop and operate the airport’s maintenance hangar. Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority owns the hangar. The authority described the work covered by the concession as heavy maintenance and periodic inspections.
The authority has identified Oman’s location as an advantage in attracting regional maintenance business. It also expects the project to create local technical jobs. GMF said the venture would give it access to more international customers and provide opportunities for its employees.
Oman Air CEO Nasser Al Sharji said the partnership aims to bring aircraft from other countries to Oman and create opportunities for aviation workers. GMF said it would work with local partners to develop the facility, its technical capabilities and its workforce in stages.
