MUSCAT — 12 NOVEMBER 2026
Oman‘s plan to turn into a better international logistics hub is beginning to gather pace; however, the next big opportunity may not be on the roads or ports but in an aircraft-maintenance hangar. The country is set to benefit from a strategic alliance struck between its national carrier and GMF Aero Asia, based in Indonesia, which is expected to further enhance the aviation capabilities of the Sultanate and open up new avenues for work in such regions as the Middle East and Africa.
Speaking to the Times of Oman on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on the margins of the launch of the new partnership, Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that logistics is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy in Oman. He pointed out the substantial upturn that took place in 2026, adding that not all of the increase was permanent, having to do with the developments in the wider region.
The size of the proposed facility emphasizes the importance of the agreement. The collaboration operates from an aircraft maintenance workshop spanning over 39,000 square meters, costing more than OMR100 million. The facility can allow two narrow-body and one wide-body aircraft at one time to provide specialized services in aviation.
The maintenance program will initially entail A and B checks before C checks within the next three years. The next step for the partnership will include maintenance for engines, paintwork, renovation, and redesign of aircraft. What is of importance is that the partners plan on targeting international airlines from the Middle East and Africa instead of working with national airlines exclusively. This may turn Muscat into an aviation maintenance and technical services hub.
This opportunity arises when Oman’s maritime logistics infrastructure is also on the path of tremendous growth. As indicated by the Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman’s ports processed nearly 146 million tonnes of freight during the months of January to August 2026, which is an increase of 62.3% year-on-year. The container throughput was higher than 4 million TEUs, while the number of vessel calls increased by 27.9%, exceeding 11,000. All of these developments confirm that Oman’s National Logistics Strategy 2040 is on its course to integrate airports, seaports, free zones as well as territories into the global logistics infrastructure. Nevertheless, it is important to note Al Maawali’s statement acknowledging the temporary character of some growth of 2026 as a challenge of a different kind that is experienced during the transition period. The fact that Oman Air company together with SalamAir has decided to implement a selective approach while developing aviation shows a completely new view on the approach to development.
There is another emerging opportunity for Oman – it may develop its capabilities to maintain, repair and refurbish international aircraft and thus launch another way of aviation-related business.
