Key Takeaways
- Pakistan is set to build its first-ever aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility following EASA standards.
- The project will be developed by private aviation services company Nortec at Islamabad International Airport.
- Airblue is also constructing a modern hangar for pilot training and maintenance work within Pakistan.
Pakistan is set to establish its first-ever aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility built to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. The state-of-the-art facility will be developed at Islamabad International Airport as part of the Ministry of Defense’s Aviation Sector Transformation Program.
The project, undertaken by private aviation services company Nortec, aims to provide maintenance and repair services for aircraft including the Airbus A318, A319, and other commercial aircraft. This initiative is expected to reduce Pakistan's reliance on overseas maintenance facilities, enhancing self-reliance in aircraft maintenance.
In a parallel development, Airblue is also constructing a modern aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport. The new hangar will protect aircraft, engineers, technical staff, and maintenance equipment from harsh weather conditions while enabling commercial airlines to carry out repair and maintenance work within Pakistan.
The airline is simultaneously building a modern Flight Training Center equipped with a Full Flight Simulator, which is expected to become operational by April 2027. Officials believe these developments will play a key role in transforming Islamabad International Airport into a regional aviation hub while creating new opportunities for technical expertise and aviation-related investment in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) will provide administrative support for the projects, while the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will oversee regulatory compliance and supervision. The facility is expected to enhance pilot training capabilities and strengthen Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.
Authorities are optimistic that these developments will significantly improve Pakistan's aviation sector by providing local maintenance services and fostering a more self-reliant approach to aircraft operations.
