Pakistan is set to establish its first-ever aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility built to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards at Islamabad International Airport.
The project is part of the Ministry of Defence’s Aviation Sector Transformation Program and is aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s aircraft maintenance capabilities while reducing reliance on overseas repair facilities.
The project will be developed by private aviation services company Nortec, which will also construct a modern aircraft maintenance hangar and a Full Flight Simulator for pilot training.
Once operational, the MRO facility will provide maintenance and repair services for commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 family, helping airlines carry out major maintenance work within Pakistan.
Alongside the MRO project, Airblue is constructing a modern aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport.
The new hangar will provide all-weather protection for aircraft, engineers, maintenance equipment, and technical staff while enabling domestic airlines to perform maintenance and repair operations locally.
The airline is also developing a Flight Training Center equipped with a Full Flight Simulator, which is expected to become operational by April 2027.
Officials said the projects are designed to:
- Improve Pakistan’s self-reliance in aircraft maintenance.
- Enhance pilot training capabilities.
- Develop skilled aviation professionals.
- Reduce the need for costly overseas maintenance services.
- Attract investment in the country’s aviation sector.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) will provide administrative support for the projects, while the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will oversee regulatory compliance and certification.
Authorities believe these initiatives will strengthen Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure and help position Islamabad International Airport as a regional aviation hub for maintenance, engineering, and pilot training.
