Airbourne Colours paints bigger future on Teesside

An aviation company is expanding its footprint with a major new facility at Teesside International Airport.

Airbourne Colours, which opened its £6.5 million aircraft-painting hangar at the airport last October, is pressing ahead with a second site to meet growing demand. 

The new Hangar 9 will be capable of accommodating larger narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10.

And bosses say the expansion comes as the company’s order book is already full for the next two years, underlining its rapid growth. 

Steven Darbyshire, founder and chief executive of Airbourne Colours, who was born and raised in Teesside, said: “We need a second hangar to fulfil the demand we’ve had. 

“There’s a backlog in aircraft painting facilities in Europe so we’re building them here at Teesside Airport – and we’re expanding at Teesside Airport.

“It’s been a source of great pride to set up at Teesside Airport – to return to my roots and bring employment back to where I grew up.”

Construction is being carried out by local firm S&A Fabrications, with the new hangar expected to open in November this year.

Alongside its physical growth, Airbourne Colours is also developing skills in the region. 

A partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education has already seen 24 trainees begin specialist aircraft painting courses, with successful graduates set to secure roles worth £35,000 a year.

The project forms part of the wider business park vision for Teesside Airport, which has attracted major operators including Willis Aviation and Draken. 

Earlier this year, a £12.5 million investment package from the Tees Valley Combined Authority paved the way for the new development.

Phil Forster, managing director at Teesside International Airport, added: “We have fantastic transport links, a unique location in the heart of the UK and the benefits of Freeport status. 

“It all means Teesside Airport Business Park offers major advantages for companies.

“We’ve already forged a brilliant partnership with Airbourne Colours and it’s wonderful to see them backing Teesside by taking on a second hangar and training up local people. 

“With new long-term agreements at our airport, it means we’re really gaining a reputation as a viable one-stop shop for airline maintenance, repair and operations overhaul.

“I’m looking forward to operations beginning this year.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, pictured below with Steven, added: “It’s great to see yet more steel in the ground and even more progress at our airport. 

“Airbourne Colours – and Steve – have been brilliant supporters of our airport since their arrival last year, and it’s wonderful to see their business thrive and create good well-paid jobs for local people right here on Steve’s home patch.

“We’re ramping up our business park to secure vital income for the airport through landing fees, rent, and jobs. 

“By backing businesses in Airbourne, Willis and its new twin-bay hangar, Draken – and attracting others – we’re forging new careers and we’re laying the groundwork to attract even more international companies to our airport.”

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