Aircraft painter adds thrust with hangar opening

An aircraft painting firm has opened a 40-job hangar.

Airbourne Colours has cut the ribbon on a 27,000sq ft base at Teesside International Airport.

Bosses say the hub – which adds to an existing base at the site – will help “meet demand from clients across the global aircraft industry” that include Jet2 and Lufthansa.

Steve Darbyshire, Airbourne Colours’ founder and chief executive, said: “It is outstanding to see the completion of our fantastic new facility.

“As a born and bred Teessider, it’s been brilliant to grow our business so quickly here and bring high-quality job opportunities.

“It’s also great to mark our 15th anniversary with this further expansion of operations.”

The hangar’s opening comes just days after fellow airport tenant Willis Aviation Services opened a £13.5 million twin-bay aircraft maintenance hangar and signed a 250-year lease for 50 acres of airport land.

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.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “When we brought the airport back into public ownership, it wasn’t only to revive holiday flights but to develop a thriving business park attracting international investors too.

“This is further evidence of how we are delivering on that promise.”

The hangar was built by a construction team led by County Durham-based main contractor S&A Fabrications.

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