Airbourne Colours opens new aircraft painting facility

Aircraft painting company Airbourne Colours has welcomed its first aircraft at its newly opened base at Teesside International Airport.

The company launched its new £6.5 million aircraft painting facility with an opening ceremony attended by senior business leaders and customers. The first aircraft to be painted, a Jet2 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, will undergo a full strip and repaint into the Jet2.com livery. This project is set to take nine days and is the first of approximately 35 aircraft to be re-painted annually at the site.

Founded by Teessider Steve Darbyshire, Airbourne Colours is creating 40 new jobs as part of its expansion. The company has an annual turnover exceeding £12 million and works with several major European airlines, including EasyJet, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines.

The 27,000 ft² facility is the first of its kind built in the UK this millennium and was constructed by S&A Fabrications, based in Barnard Castle. The development used over 230 tonnes of British steel and includes car parking, office space, and a concrete apron for aircraft access.

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, highlighted the strategic advantages of Teesside Airport Business Park for companies in logistics and manufacturing, with the additional benefit of Freeport status.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed Airbourne Colours as an example of the region's commitment to attracting investment and creating jobs. The expansion at the airport includes a multi-million-pound investment from Willis Aviation and the first unit of a £200 million business park, which will ultimately create 4,400 jobs.

The growth in commercial operations has contributed to Teesside Airport delivering its first profit in more than a decade. (£1.00 = US$1.33 at time of publication).