MRO company Garuda Maintenance (GMF) has signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) to “explore collaboration” in land management, hangar development and future MRO operations at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, Indonesia.

AP I, a state enterprise of the Indonesian Ministry of State Owned Enterprises responsible for the management of airports in Indonesia, described Makassar airport as having “a strategic location to grab central and eastern Indonesian markets”.

The collaboration between GMF and AP I has been established to attract investors in hangar construction and supporting facilities, the two companies said, “thus creating multiplier effects such as job creation, economic acceleration, and added value for stakeholders”.

AP I’s president director Faik Fahmi added: “Air transport in these areas is essential for passenger and cargo movement since it offers faster and easier access than other modes of transportation. This makes Makassar a potential market to reach central and eastern Indonesia.”

GMF’s CEO Andi Fahrurrozi described the collaboration as an “opportunity for us to prepare ourselves in capturing opportunities and anticipating the momentum”.