GMF launches Oman MRO facility with Oman Air

Garuda Indonesia Group has expanded its international maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations with the launch of Oman GMF Technic, a joint venture between PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia (GMF) and Oman Air. The facility was officially launched at Muscat International Airport in Oman on 10 November 2026.

The new venture marks a strategic move by Garuda Indonesia Group to expand its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services across the Middle East and North Africa. The facility will operate under a 20-year concession agreement.

The launch follows a concession agreement signed by GMF and Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on 5 October 2026. The expansion is also part of Garuda Indonesia Group's efforts to diversify its revenue streams, make better use of its subsidiaries' capabilities and strengthen the international competitiveness of its non-aviation businesses.

Garuda Indonesia President Director and CEO Thomas Oentoro said the expansion of its MRO business is a key part of the Group's transformation strategy, aimed at strengthening its business structure and maximising growth opportunities across the aviation ecosystem.

“The Garuda Indonesia Group’s transformation focuses not only on strengthening the aviation business, but also on how all capabilities within the business ecosystem can create broader economic value. GMF’s expansion into Oman is a concrete step toward strengthening the Group’s international presence while opening up new sources of growth that can support the Group’s fundamentals and competitiveness in the long term,” said Thomas.

The expansion of its MRO business comes as Garuda Indonesia Group reports revenue growth during the first nine months of 2026. Between January and September, the Group recorded consolidated revenue of US$2.71 billion, up 13.2% year on year. Revenue from non-aviation business lines increased by 31.3% to US$322.8 million, partly driven by a 42.4% rise in GMF's aircraft maintenance revenue from external customers.

The figures highlight the growing contribution of MRO services to the Group's business portfolio. Through its international expansion, GMF aims to reach more customers, increase the utilisation of its technical capabilities and generate additional revenue as the Group diversifies its business operations.

GMF's expansion into Oman comes amid positive growth prospects for the aircraft maintenance industry in the Middle East. According to research by Mordor Intelligence, the region's aircraft MRO market is projected to reach US$10.55 billion in 2026 and grow to US$13.35 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.82%.

The growth is being driven by expanding airline fleets, increased international flight activity and rising demand for a wider range of aircraft maintenance services. This is creating opportunities for MRO providers to expand their capacity and service offerings, particularly in airframe and line maintenance.

Oman's strategic location, connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, is expected to make Oman GMF Technic a base for serving the maintenance requirements of regional and international airlines. The facility will also complement GMF's existing global operations, which serve more than 190 customers across 70 countries, while providing opportunities to expand its presence in a growing aviation market.

GMF Chief Executive Officer Andi Fahrurrozi said the partnership with Oman Air marks an important step in expanding the company's international presence and strengthening the contribution of Indonesia's aircraft maintenance industry to the global aviation sector.

“Through this partnership with Oman Air, we hope to unlock broader business opportunities and showcase the quality and capabilities of Indonesia’s aircraft maintenance services to the international market. GMF’s presence in Oman also provides an opportunity for our employees to enrich their experience and elevate their competency levels through direct involvement in the global MRO ecosystem,” said Andi.

Oman GMF Technic operates an integrated MRO facility spanning 3.85 hectares at Muscat International Airport. The site includes two hangars with capacity to accommodate two widebody and four narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. Its supporting infrastructure includes an adjustable docking system, automated warehousing and an engine ground run-up facility.

The facility is developing a range of services, including line maintenance, airframe maintenance and workshop services for several aircraft types, including the Boeing 737-8/9 and Boeing 787. Alongside certification from Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the company is also working towards compliance with international certification requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These approvals are intended to broaden its service capabilities and expand its international customer base.

Oman GMF Technic is scheduled to begin full operations in January 2027, following the completion of operational preparations and the fulfilment of resource and support requirements. The facility is expected to strengthen the region's MRO capabilities while creating opportunities for cooperation and knowledge sharing between aviation professionals in Indonesia and Oman.

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Nasser Al Sharji said the partnership with GMF is part of the airline's efforts to develop Oman's aircraft maintenance capabilities and expand its services for international customers.

“Our ambition is to serve the needs of domestic airlines while attracting more aircraft and aviation business opportunities from various countries in the region and internationally,” said Nasser.

The development of Oman GMF Technic is expected to strengthen GMF's position in the global MRO industry while creating opportunities to expand aviation service exports, develop workforce skills and promote cooperation between the aviation industries of Indonesia and Oman.