Singapore, September 23rd 2026 — PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF), part of the Garuda Indonesia Group, and PT VELA Prima Nusantara (VELA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of GMF’s capabilities as an MRO Approved Facility for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, including Vela Alpha, which features electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (hVTOL) technologies. The MoU signing took place during MRO Asia-Pacific 2026 at Singapore EXPO, Singapore, on Wednesday (23/09).

The collaboration marks an initial step for GMF and VELA to establish a supporting AAM ecosystem for VELA, an Indonesian-developed Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, as the aircraft is planned to enter its operational phase in 2029. Vela Alpha is being developed to address Indonesia’s geographical connectivity challenges, provide an alternative mobility solution amid urban congestion, and deliver emission-free air transportation.

Beyond the development of MRO services, the collaboration opens opportunities for GMF to be involved from the early stages of Vela Alpha’s development through its commercial phase. GMF also has the potential to develop capabilities as a Production Certificate (PC) Holder and obtain a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for serial production, creating opportunities for GMF to take on a broader role across the value chain of AAM aircraft development and production. This aligns with GMF’s business development plans in the aerostructure sector, where GMF has obtained AS9100 certification.

“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.