SECOND AIRCRAFT PAINT FACILITY TAKES OFF AT TEESSIDE
A second multi-million pound aircraft painting facility has opened at Teesside Airport as part of a rapid expansion by a leading aviation firm, creating up to 40 new jobs.
Airbourne Colours’ second Teesside facility is now operational after construction of the 27,000sq ft unit was completed on schedule this month.
The facility – based on the airport’s northside – has been developed to manage the company’s growing order book from global airlines.
It will be capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10 and the new base coincides with the 15-year anniversary of Airbourne Colours.
Airbourne Colours Founder and Chief Executive Steve Darbyshire said: “It is outstanding to see the completion of our fantastic new facility at Teesside Airport which is essential in helping us meet the demand from our clients across the global aircraft industry.
“As a born and bred Teessider it’s been brilliant to grow our business so quickly here and bring even more high-quality job opportunities which will benefit local people. It’s also great to mark our 15th anniversary with this further expansion of our operations.”
Airbourne began work at its first aircraft painting facility at Teesside Airport in October 2024.
The firm has annual turnover of £15million – and works for many of Europe’s leading airlines including Jet2, BA Cityflyer Loganair, Smartlynx, SAS, TAP Portugal, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines.
It is Europe’s only privately owned aircraft painting company, with only one other competitor in the UK.
Barnard Castle-based S&A Fabrications was the main contractor on the development, which took less than a year to build, using more than 230 tonnes of British steel in its construction.
The facility represents further success in the development of a vibrant business park at Teesside Airport, which has seen a string of long term multi-million pound expansion deals signed by Airbourne Colours, Willis Aviation and Draken.
Willis Aviation Services Ltd this month opened its new £13.5million twin-bay hangar on the airport’s northside while also signing a 250-year lease for 50 acres of airport land to develop up to six new hangars.
The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet agreed a £12.5million package for airport infrastructure this year as part of a wider Investment Plan, further supporting the growth of the business park.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “When we brought Teesside Airport back into public ownership, it wasn’t only to revive holiday flights for local people but was also to develop a thriving business park attracting international investors and creating well-paid, highly skilled jobs.
“This is further evidence of how we are delivering on that promise thanks to outstanding businesses such as Airbourne Colours expanding their operations.
“This secures vital income for the airport through landing fees, rent, and jobs and supports Teesside’s long-term financial sustainability. By backing great businesses, such as Airbourne and others, we’re forging new careers for local people and laying the groundwork to attract even more global companies to our airport.”
The arrival of Airbourne at Teesside has also supported employment for local people. The firm teamed up with Hartlepool College of Further Education to deliver an Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme, with trainees moving into £35,000 jobs when they complete their course.
Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, said: “This fantastic new facility further strengthens Teesside’s growing reputation as a leading centre for airline maintenance, repair and operations overhaul.
“With superb transport links, the benefits of Freeport status and a dedicated airport team, Teesside Airport Business Park offers major advantages for companies.
“We’ve forged a brilliant partnership with Airbourne Colours and it’s wonderful to see them backing Teesside with this second facility, creating jobs for local people and delivering for the long-term.”