Pakistan is taking a big step to improve its aviation sector. The country will soon build its first aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility that meets European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. This modern center will be located at Islamabad International Airport.
The project is part of the Ministry of Defense’s Aviation Sector Transformation Program. Private company Nortec will lead the work. They will also construct a new aircraft maintenance hangar and a full-flight simulator for pilot training. Once ready, the MRO center will handle maintenance for popular planes like the Airbus A318 and A319, as well as other commercial aircraft.
This development is important because Pakistani airlines currently send planes abroad for major checks. The new facility will save time and money while making the sector more self-reliant. In addition, airline Airblue is building its own modern hangar at the same airport. This will protect planes and workers from bad weather and allow repairs inside Pakistan. Airblue also plans to open a Flight Training Center with a full-flight simulator by April 2027.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) will give administrative help, and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will ensure all rules are followed. Officials say these projects will turn Islamabad International Airport into a regional aviation hub. They will create new jobs, bring investment, and build technical skills in the country.
Overall, this move shows Pakistan’s focus on modernizing aviation infrastructure. It will support safer flights, better training, and stronger growth in the aviation industry for years to come.