Pakistan is set to enhance its aviation infrastructure with the development of three major aviation facilities at Islamabad International Airport, including the country’s first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a new aircraft maintenance hangar, and a modern flight training center.
The projects are aimed at expanding aircraft maintenance capabilities, strengthening aviation training, and creating skilled employment opportunities.
The first project involves the establishment of Pakistan’s first EASA-approved Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center, which will be developed by private aviation services company NORTEK.
The facility will receive administrative support from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) and regulatory oversight from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
Once certified by EASA, the MRO center will provide base maintenance and component support for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, helping reduce reliance on foreign maintenance providers while strengthening Pakistan’s aircraft engineering capabilities.
In a separate initiative, Air blue is constructing an EASA-standard aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport.
The hangar will provide all-weather protection for aircraft, maintenance equipment, and technical staff while supporting the airline’s engineering operations.
The facility may also offer maintenance services to other domestic airlines operating Airbus A320-family aircraft, reducing the need to send aircraft abroad for repairs.
Airblue is also developing a Flight Training Center featuring a full-flight simulator and modern classrooms for type-rating and recurrent pilot training.
The training facility is expected to be completed by April 2027 and is designed to help address Pakistan’s shortage of trained pilots while reducing the cost and dependence on overseas pilot training.
The three projects are expected to strengthen Pakistan’s aviation ecosystem by improving maintenance capacity, enhancing pilot training, generating skilled jobs, and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s aviation industry.
