CAA signs agreements to expand aviation services

MUSCAT, OCT 5
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday signed key agreements as it highlighted key investment opportunities in airport cities, free zones, logistics services, foreign investment, emerging technologies, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), in addition to training, qualification, and the development of national talent.
The Civil Aviation Forum focused on investment opportunities for land development and commercial and logistics activities around Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar airports, strengthening their role as integrated economic hubs, as well as opportunities associated with free zones and airport-related logistics services.
Eng Naif bin Ali al Abri, President, CAA, said 'the authority's ‘Ethmar’ Strategic Programme focuses on studying investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector and its assets. Following the launch of the programme, a committee comprising a select group of specialists from government and private-sector institutions was formed. The committee worked to structure several investment opportunities in the sector, make them accessible to investors, and prepare them to move from concept to project. These responsibilities now fall under a specialised entity within the Authority’s organisational structure, namely the Investment Department.”
The National Aviation Strategy 2040 places partnership with the private sector at the heart of its implementation model and has adopted the ‘Private Sector Attraction Programme’ as one of its key enablers supporting the implementation of its initiatives. Through this programme, we look forward to attracting cumulative private-sector investments of RO1.7 billion by 2040.'
MRO
The Civil Aviation Authority and Indonesia-based GMF AeroAsia signed an agreement for the operation and management of the aircraft maintenance building and facilities at Muscat International Airport. This agreement grants the company a concession to operate and manage the building and aircraft maintenance facilities at the airport.
The agreement, which may also include the national airline, Oman Air, at some stage, will provide heavy maintenance and periodic inspection services for the fleets of national, regional, and international airlines, transforming Muscat International Airport into an integrated regional hub for aviation maintenance and services by leveraging the Sultanate of Oman’s strategic location.
It also aims to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies in airframe, engine, and avionics maintenance, while creating specialised employment opportunities for national talent.
OMAN AIRPORTS
A concession agreement was also signed between the Civil Aviation Authority and Oman Airports for the operation, management, and development of Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, and Sohar Airport, granting the company a concession to operate, manage, and develop the three airports.
The concession agreement aims to ensure the management of civil airports in the Sultanate of Oman in accordance with international best practices in airport facility management and ground handling services, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security. It also aims to enhance the passenger experience by increasing capacity and improving the quality of services provided to passengers and airlines through modern solutions and technologies.
OMAN AVIATION ACADEMY
A student training cooperation agreement was signed between Oman Aviation Academy and the Arab Aviation Academy to cooperate in the training of Oman Aviation Academy students.
MRO INTERNATIONAL
A memorandum of understanding was signed between GMF AeroAsia and MRO International to develop business in the fields of aircraft maintenance, wheels and brakes, and training, strengthening strategic cooperation between the two parties and supporting the development of these fields.