Willis commits to Teesside with long-term lease

A global aircraft maintenance firm is set to expand its operations at Teesside International Airport, in a deal expected to create hundreds of highly skilled jobs.

Willis Aviation Services has signed a 250-year lease for an additional 50 acres at the airport, paving the way for a multi-million-pound expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations.

The landmark agreement will allow the development of up to six new narrow and wide-body hangars across the airport estate, including five at a new Aviation Village on land west of the airport.

Bosses say the expansion, which follows the opening of Willis’s new £13.5million twin-bay hangar, reflects the company’s “long-term commitment” to the region and will further strengthen Teesside’s aviation cluster, providing further capacity for aircraft maintenance, storage and engineering innovation.

Austin C. Willis, chief executive of Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), the parent company of Willis Aviation Services, said: “This agreement represents a continued commitment to our long-term vision for the region. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our presence at Teesside and better support global and European maintenance capacity.”

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, added: “WLFC has been a fantastic supporter of Teesside Airport for many years, and this long-lease agreement is a huge step in their commitment to our airport and our region. 

“Their investment in a new twin-bay hangar launched this week, and the new maintenance contracts they’ve secured in the past year show just how serious their team is when it comes to growing here and creating more well-paid, skilled jobs in Teesside.

“Teesside is fast becoming the go-to place for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and we’re taking big strides forward in becoming an ideal one-stop shop for major operators. 

“This is a hugely significant moment for Teesside Airport and a major milestone in securing the airport’s long-term future.”

Planning permission for the Aviation Village was granted by Darlington Borough Council in 2023. 

The land, originally earmarked for 350 homes, was acquired as part of a deal to return the airport to public ownership in 2019.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “When we saved our airport from closure, we did it because it was the right thing to do. 

“We also believed it had the huge potential to bring so many more jobs for local people and more investment.

“Securing more holiday flights will always be vital, and I’ll never lose sight of that, but the airport has always needed to be about much more than that. 

“The airport is now a hive of activity where we are using the land to grow a brilliant business park and making it a place where major international firms can invest and thrive.

“Willis’s decision to make this long-term investment shows both their confidence in Teesside and in our vision for the airport’s future. 

“It’s a hugely important step that will help put Teesside Airport on a more secure financial footing for years to come and bring hundreds more well-paid jobs for people to build their careers here.”

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