Second Airbourne Colours hangar set for November opening

Aircraft painting firm Airbourne Colours is pressing ahead with expansion plans at Teesside International Airport, with its second aircraft paint facility – Hangar 9 – nearing completion and set to open in November.

The company launched its £6.5 million paint shop at the airport in October 2024 and has already filled its order book for the next two years. The additional hangar will accommodate narrowbody aircraft types such as the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10.

Steven Darbyshire, founder and chief executive of Airbourne Colours, 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 International Airport – and we’re expanding. It’s been a source of great pride to set up at Teesside International Airport – to return to my roots and bring employment back to where I grew up.”

The project is part of the Teesside International Airport Business Park development, which has also secured commitments from Willis Aviation and Draken. Earlier this year, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority approved a £12.5 million infrastructure package under its Investment Plan, paving the way for construction. Local company S&A Fabrications is building the new steel structure.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the progress, commenting: “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.”

Airbourne Colours has also partnered with Hartlepool College of Further Education to establish an Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme, with 24 trainees currently on site. Those who complete the scheme are guaranteed roles worth £35,000.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, added: “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 overhaul.”

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