Pakistan’s first Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility compliant with the standards of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is being established at Islamabad International Airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in the aviation sector.
The specialized MRO facility is being developed by private aviation services company Nortec, sources said.
A modern aircraft maintenance hangar and an advanced flight simulator for pilot training are also being established at Islamabad International Airport as part of the initiative, they added.
Once operational, the MRO facility will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Airbus A318, A319 and other aircraft types.
Meanwhile, Airblue Limited is constructing a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance hangar at the airport. The new hangar will protect aircraft, engineers, technical personnel and maintenance equipment from adverse weather conditions, enhancing the safety and efficiency of maintenance operations.
Airblue’s project will also enable commercial airlines to obtain aircraft repair and maintenance services within Pakistan, reducing dependence on overseas facilities.
The airline is also developing a modern Flight Training Centre, equipped with a Full Flight Simulator, which is expected to become operational by April 2027.
All these projects are being implemented under the Ministry of Defence’s Aviation Sector Transformation Programme.
Under the initiative, the Pakistan Airports Authority will provide administrative support, while the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority will be responsible for regulatory oversight and supervision.
The projects are expected to play a key role in transforming Islamabad International Airport into a regional aviation hub.