The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is strengthening the concept of local content as one of the key pillars of sustainable economic development by maximizingthe use of national resources and increasing the contribution of local companies and enterprises in the implementation of projects and services within the Authority. 

These efforts contribute to supporting the national economy by creating employment opportunities for national talent and stimulating local investment.

The number of companies benefiting from contracts and procurement opportunities under the Authority’s local content programs has reached approximately 117 companies, while the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 39% of total contracts and procurement, reflecting the growing role of these enterprises in supporting the national economic ecosystem.

Supporting the National Economy and Promoting Sustainability

Hussein bin Salem Al Rahbi, Director General of Support Services at the Civil Aviation Authority, affirmed that the CAA is steadily advancing its efforts to establish local content as a key pillar for supporting the national economy and promoting sustainability.

He added: This is being achieved through empowering national companies and increasing their contribution to the implementation of projects and services related to the civil aviation sector.

He clarified that, the results achieved, including the increase in the number of companies benefiting from contracts and procurement opportunities, demonstrate the effectiveness of the policies and initiatives adopted by the Authority in this area.

Al Rahbi noted that the Authority places a clear priority on enhancing the participation of the national private sector by providing fair and competitive opportunities, incorporating local content requirements into contracts and procurement processes, and supporting knowledge transfer and the development of national capabilities.

He further highlighted that these efforts extend beyond economic considerations to include enhancing the efficiency of the civil aviation sector and improving the quality of services, in line with national development objectives and contributing to the competitiveness of the Omani economy.

The Strategic Importance of Local Content

Local content is increasingly recognized as a key instrument for supporting the national economy and developing local capabilities. It contributes to the growth and sustainability of national companies, creates employment opportunities for citizens, facilitates the transfer of knowledge, expertise and modern technologies to the local market, strengthens local supply chains, reduces reliance on external markets, and increases the private sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).

Local content also represents an important driver of economic and social sustainability. It serves as an effective mechanism for fostering innovation and stimulating investment in vital sectors, in alignment with national development objectives.

In the civil aviation sector, local content is considered one of the key enablers for strengthening the partnership between the Authority and the private sector. This partnership contributes to the development of services and enhances their efficiency in accordance with leading practices and recognized standards.

The CAA’s Commitments to Supporting Local Content

The Civil Aviation Authority is committed to implementing best practices that support local content by giving priority to qualified local companies when projects and tenders are launched, encouraging the use of national products and services whenever they meet the required quality standards, and incorporating local content requirements into contracts and procurement processes.

The Authority also works to enhance the participation of SMEs across various areas of business, while maintaining a strong commitment to the employment and development of national talent as one of the key evaluation criteria adopted in assessing companies. In addition, the Authority provides training and development programs to continuously support institutional capability requirements.

Supporting the Growth and Empowerment of Local Companies

The implementation of local content policies contributes to the growth of national companies and enhances their competitiveness by providing broader opportunities to participate in the Authority’s projects and services. This, in turn, strengthens business sustainability and supports the private sector’s contribution to economic development.

The Authority is committed to empowering local companies through a range of enablers, most notably providing opportunities to compete in tenders, strengthening the operational and financial stability of companies through contractual opportunities, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and expertise, and enhancing the quality of services in the civil aviation sector.

These efforts also include empowering SMEs, encouraging local investment and the development of strategic partnerships, increasing reliance on local suppliers, and developing national supply chains.

The Authority also provides a number of facilitation measures, including simplifying registration and qualification procedures, ensuring fair and transparent competitive opportunities by facilitating access to information on projects and tenders, allowing appropriate timeframes for the execution of works, and strengthening direct communication with suppliers. In addition, the Authority encourages partnerships between local companies and their international counterparts.

The Civil Aviation Authority reaffirms its continued commitment to implementing initiatives and policies that support local content, contributing to the achievement of strategic objectives and strengthening an effective and sustainable partnership with the private sector.