FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR PLANE
The iconic plane hosting the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca‑Cola has visited Teesside International Airport to be painted ahead of this year’s tournament.
The Airbus A320-233 operated by Titan Airways was by specialist aircraft painting Airbourne Colours at its Teesside facility, before beginning its global tour carrying the 18-carat gold trophy.
For 20 years, the Trophy Tour by Coca‑Cola has united millions of fans across the globe bringing the magic of football’s most coveted prize to life.
Featuring special red livery, the aircraft set off from Teesside before beginning its tour on 3 January in Saudi Arabia.
Airbourne Colours paints aircraft from a huge range of airlines and operators across the globe
The company expanded its Teesside operations late last year opening in a second 27,000sq ft facility and creating more jobs.
Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster added: “This is a fantastic showcase for both Teesside Airport and Airbourne Colours.
“To see an aircraft painted here take off on a worldwide tour carrying one of the most recognisable trophies in sport underlines the capability and expertise we host.
“Airbourne Colours has made a big commitment to Teesside Airport and this is another great example of the kind of high quality, global work now happening here day in, day out.”
Steven Darbyshire, Airbourne Colours Chief Executive, said: “It’s always an honour to be trusted with painting the special livery for the World Cup Trophy Tour, and we’re incredibly proud to play a role in such a global celebration of football.
“Delivering a project of this scale is only possible thanks to our team’s skill and dedication in creating intricate, eye‑catching aircraft liveries, along with the invaluable support of our partners at Titan Airways, Willis Aviation Services and Teesside Airport.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the visit of the major was a further major global coup for the airport.
He said: “To have Teesside and Airbourne Colours chosen for the painting of the Trophy Tour plane is a massive honour and another feather in the cap for our brilliant airport.
“Airbourne Colours has been an outstanding addition to Teesside – creating jobs and welcoming aircraft from around the world.
“Seeing work carried out here going on to support a global event watched by billions shows just how far our airport has come – and the quality of businesses we have on site.”
The aircraft has already visited dozens of cities across Europe and Asia, including Vienna, Seoul, Tokyo, Nha Trang and Kuala Lumpur as it covers 75 different locations. The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
