EASA-approved MRO facility to be established at Islamabad Airport
Pakistan is set to significantly strengthen its aviation infrastructure as Islamabad International Airport prepares to host three major aviation projects, including the country's first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, an advanced aircraft maintenance hangar, and a state-of-the-art pilot training center.
The initiatives are expected to enhance Pakistan's aircraft maintenance capabilities, develop a highly skilled aviation workforce, and reduce the industry's reliance on foreign maintenance and pilot training services.
The flagship project, Pakistan's first EASA-approved MRO facility, will be developed by private aviation services company NORTEK with administrative support from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) and regulatory oversight by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
Once certified by EASA, the facility will provide base maintenance and component support for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. The project is expected to strengthen the country's aircraft engineering capabilities, attract new business opportunities, and create skilled employment in the aviation sector.
In a parallel development, Airblue is constructing an EASA-standard aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport. Designed to provide all-weather protection for aircraft, maintenance equipment, and engineering personnel, the hangar will support the airline's growing technical operations.
The facility is also expected to offer maintenance services to other domestic carriers operating Airbus A320-family aircraft, reducing dependence on costly overseas maintenance and improving aircraft availability for Pakistani airlines.
Complementing these developments, Airblue is also building a modern Flight Training Center featuring a full-flight simulator and advanced classrooms for type-rating and recurrent pilot training.
Scheduled for completion in April 2027, the center is expected to help address Pakistan's shortage of trained commercial pilots by enabling airlines to conduct specialized training locally rather than sending flight crews abroad.
Together, the three projects represent a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan's aviation ecosystem, improving technical self-reliance, and aligning the country's aviation standards more closely with international benchmarks.
Industry observers say the investments could enhance Pakistan's attractiveness as a regional aviation services hub while supporting long-term growth in maintenance, engineering, and flight training capabilities.
Source: Pro Pakistani