New lease keeps Thales grounded in Teesside

A safety critical flight inspection company is set to remain at Teesside International Airport following a new agreement that secures jobs and enhances its technical base.

Thales has signed a five-year lease to continue operating from the airport, where it carries out global flight inspection services for military and civil airfields. 

The firm, which traces its roots at Teesside back to 1996, uses specialist aircraft to test navigation systems and radars that help aircraft land safely in all conditions.

Its work includes safety checks on systems such as Instrument Landing Systems and military-grade technologies such as Tactical Air Navigation and Precision Approach Radar used on Ministry of Defence (MoD) bases worldwide.

Bosses say the deal includes upgrades to the company’s 7,500sq ft hangar.

They add that the agreement secures the firm’s presence at Teesside until at least 2030, reinforcing the airport’s position as a strategic hub for aviation services.

John Hogan, manager of Thales Flight Inspection Service, said: “We’ve been the sole supplier to the MoD for Flight Checking since 1996.

“Military and Civil aircraft rely on us to ensure the safety of their airports. 

“We look after every single airport for the MoD worldwide. 

“On top of our MoD commitments, we’ve got more civil work coming in and we’re getting that at a rate of knots at the moment. 

“It’s most definitely on an upward trajectory.

“We’re fully anticipating growing the business and that will ultimately lead to more staff and assets.

“Teesside is the perfect location that is central to our UK operation that ranges from Northern Scotland to South West England.”

Victoria Ashby, head of property and development at Teesside Airport, added: “Thales has been an incredibly loyal and a long-standing partner to Teesside Airport.

“We’re proud to have a firm which has helped keep our armed forces safe, secure and finely tuned for almost three decades at our airport – and we’re very pleased to secure their time here until 2030 at the earliest.

“Our Business Park is now one of the fastest growing in the country, with Airbourne Colours, Willis Aviation and Draken all expanding their operations. 

“It means the future is bright and we’d urge other companies to consider us – with our freeport benefits, ideal position in the centre of the UK, and freight potential.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Our airport has proud military roots – and those links to our armed forces are still going strong today through Draken, veterans in our airport teams and Thales. 

“It’s brilliant to see Thales, a company that plays a vital role in keeping our MoD operating smoothly, doubling down on their commitment to Teesside.” 

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