Airport reveals 'game-changing' expansion blueprint

Plans have been unveiled for a multi-million-pound airport expansion.

Teesside International Airport is in talks with tenants over a 250-job development.  

Bosses say the “game-changing” scheme would inject £16 million of private sector investment into the travel hub.

The blueprint would see RAF training firm Draken open a centre of excellence at the airport and aircraft maintenance firm Willis Lease Finance Corporation and painting company Airbourne Colours expand hangar space.

Regeneration body Tees Valley Combined Authority’s cabinet is set to meet later in March to discuss a £12.5 million funding package to push forward the expansion at the aviation base, on the outskirts of Darlington.

Officials say the cash would deliver new taxiways, roads, fencing and power upgrades, which would allow Draken and Willis to build new bases and the airport to construct and lease a hangar to Airbourne Colours.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, said: “This multi-million-pound private investment would be a game-changer for our region, creating hundreds of jobs, driving economic growth and unlocking huge opportunities for local businesses. 

“It would be yet another vote of confidence in Teesside as a prime destination for investment.”

The plans come just weeks after Draken – which hones RAF pilots’ aerial combat skills in warfare-style drills over the North Sea – won a £173 million Ministry of Defence contract it says will retain its Teesside base for at least four years.

They also follow Willis' securing of maintenance deals with TUI Airways and Jet2.com and Airbourne Colours’ completion of work on a 20th plane at its £6.5 million Teesside hangar, and build on vehicle repair firm ABL 1 Touch’s unveiling as the first tenant on Teesside International Airport Business Park.

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