'Game-changing' funding to ‘unlock’ airport growth

A travel hub has secured a “game-changing” funding boost that will unlock millions in private sector investment and create hundreds of jobs, a regeneration boss has said.

Tees Valley Combined Authority’s cabinet has agreed a £12.5 million funding package to push forward expansion at Teesside International Airport.

The work will include new hangars, taxiways, roads, fencing and power systems.

And Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen says it will catalyse £16 million of private sector spending from existing tenants Willis Lease Finance Corporation, Airbourne Colours and defence contractor Draken.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation, which provides maintenance and repair services to major airlines such as EasyJet and TUI at Teesside, will expand hangar capacity at the airport, based on the outskirts of Darlington, while Airbourne Colours is poised to build a second hangar to meet growing demand for aircraft painting services.

Officials say the developments will boost the airport’s profile as a hub for aviation services and ensure its long-term financial sustainability. 

Mayor Houchen said: “This decision is a real game-changer in building on some of the brilliant contracts, deals and investments we’ve seen at our airport in the past 12 months – and I’m extremely pleased this plan has received the backing of cabinet members.

“This unlocks a big package of private investment in the airport, which will create hundreds of jobs, drive economic growth and bring huge opportunities for local businesses to capitalise. 

“This lays the ground for Willis, Draken and Airbourne Colours to build on their plans – and it opens the door for our airport to expand its business operations.”

The funding comes alongside a raft of other developments at the airport, which include Ryanair flights to Malaga, that are set to begin on March 31, FedEx expanding cargo operations and the construction of a new hydrogen refuelling station on the airport estate.

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