Pakistan to Establish First EASA-Standard Aircraft Maintenance Center at Islamabad Airport

Pakistan is set to develop its first Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility designed to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. The project will be established at Islamabad International Airport under the Ministry of Defence’s Aviation Sector Transformation Program.

The facility will be developed by private aviation services company Nortec, which will also construct a modern aircraft maintenance hangar and a full-flight simulator to support pilot training.

Once completed, the MRO center is expected to provide maintenance and repair services for a range of commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A318 and A319 series. The project is intended to expand Pakistan’s domestic aircraft maintenance capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas maintenance services.

In a separate initiative, Airblue is also building a modern aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport. The hangar is expected to provide a protected environment for aircraft, engineers, technical staff, and maintenance equipment while supporting maintenance operations within the country.

The airline is also developing a Flight Training Center equipped with a Full Flight Simulator, which is expected to become operational by April 2027.

According to officials, these projects are aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure, enhancing local maintenance capacity, and improving pilot training facilities.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) will provide administrative support for the initiatives, while the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will oversee regulatory compliance and operational standards.

Officials believe the new facilities will contribute to the long-term development of Pakistan’s aviation sector, support technical workforce development, and enhance Islamabad International Airport’s role as a regional aviation hub.