PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF), part of the Garuda Indonesia Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesian company PT VELA Prima Nusantara (VELA) to explore the development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.
The agreement was signed on September 23, 2026, during MRO Asia-Pacific at Singapore EXPO. It covers the potential development of GMF as an approved maintenance facility for VELA’s Alpha aircraft, which is being developed using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hybrid vertical take-off and landing (hVTOL) technologies.
The collaboration is intended to establish maintenance and technical support capabilities ahead of the planned entry into service of the VELA Alpha in 2029. The aircraft is being developed to address Indonesia’s transportation and connectivity requirements, including access between geographically dispersed communities and mobility challenges in urban areas.
Under the proposed cooperation, GMF could become involved in the aircraft programme from the development stage through commercial operations. The companies are exploring the establishment of maintenance infrastructure and capabilities to support the aircraft as it progresses towards operational deployment.
The MoU also outlines potential opportunities for GMF beyond conventional MRO services. These include the possibility of obtaining Production Certificate (PC) Holder status and a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for serial production, which could give GMF a role in the aircraft’s manufacturing and industrialisation activities.
The proposed expansion aligns with GMF’s plans to develop its aerostructures business. The company has obtained AS9100 certification, an aerospace quality management system certification relevant to manufacturing and supply-chain activities in the aviation sector.
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“GMF’s involvement from the development stage through operational service readiness presents an opportunity for us to develop new capabilities beyond traditional aircraft MRO. This includes opportunities in production certification, facility development, and supporting the development of the Advanced Air Mobility industry ecosystem in Indonesia and the region,” said GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi.
The agreement establishes an initial framework for cooperation rather than a confirmed maintenance or production contract. Specific facility investments, certification timelines, maintenance scope, and production commitments have not been disclosed.
