MRO & Manufacturing
Willis Aviation & Jet2.com Expand MRO Partnership at Teesside Airport
Strategic expansion of aircraft maintenance collaboration creates jobs, boosts UK MRO sector growth at Teesside’s Freeport hub.
The strategic expansion of the maintenance partnership between Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) and Jet2.com represents a significant development in the UK’s aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. Announced on July 9, 2025, this agreement commits Jet2.com to two base maintenance lines for the 2025-2026 season at WASL’s new facility in Teesside International Airport, doubling the capacity from the previous single-line arrangement. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for MRO services in Europe, driven by fleet expansions and aging aircraft, while highlighting Teesside’s emergence as a key aviation hub.
The partnership leverages Willis Lease Finance Corporation’s (WLFC) vertically integrated leasing platform and Jet2.com’s position as the UK’s third-largest airline, creating high-skilled jobs and supporting regional economic growth in Northeast England.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), founded in 1985 and publicly listed on NASDAQ in 1996, has established a 39-year track record of consistent profitability through its aircraft engine leasing and aviation services platform. The company operates a vertically integrated model combining leasing, trading, and maintenance services, generating revenue primarily through lease rents and maintenance reserves. As of March 2025, WLFC’s portfolio was valued at $2.82 billion, comprising 347 engines, 15 aircraft, and related equipment, with a utilization rate of 86.4%.
In March 2022, WLFC incorporated Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) as a UK-based subsidiary to expand its MRO capabilities. Headquartered at Hangar 2 in Teesside International Airport, WASL focuses on base maintenance, engine overhaul, and aircraft disassembly services. This move aligned with WLFC’s services-enhanced leasing strategy, which aims to control asset lifecycles through integrated maintenance solutions while reducing reliance on original equipment manufacturers.
WASL’s establishment coincided with Teesside Airport’s redevelopment and its designation as a Freeport in 2021. The Freeport status provides tax and customs advantages to aviation businesses operating within its boundaries, enhancing the region’s attractiveness for MRO investment.
Jet2.com is the UK’s third-largest airline, operating a fleet of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft from 13 UK bases. Known for its focus on leisure travel, Jet2.com serves over 75 destinations across Europe and beyond. The airline has expanded operations in recent years, including the addition of new bases at Bournemouth and Liverpool John Lennon airports.
The airline’s growth has increased its demand for regular and reliable maintenance services. Jet2.com’s engineering strategy is centered on safety, reliability, and operational excellence. According to Chris Hubbard, Director of Engineering & Maintenance, Jet2.com maintains “the highest standards of safety, operational excellence and reliability for our customers.”
Prior to the WASL partnership, Jet2.com relied on a network of MRO providers across the UK and Europe. However, consolidating maintenance activities at Teesside offers logistical advantages and reduces aircraft downtime, especially for its northern UK bases. The expansion of the partnership with WASL reflects Jet2.com’s confidence in the quality and reliability of WASL’s services. Teesside International Airport has undergone significant redevelopment since returning to public ownership in 2019. A £25 million investment into an “Aviation Village” includes five hangars, a fixed-base operation (FBO) terminal, and supporting infrastructure such as a new link road to the A67. These developments are designed to position the airport as a comprehensive aviation services hub.
WASL’s new twin-bay hangar at Teesside, measuring 100 meters by 50 meters, is under construction and will accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft. The facility is expected to be completed in 2025 and will support both current and next-generation aircraft, including the 737 MAX. This expansion is part of a broader effort to attract aviation businesses to the region, including Airborne Colours and Draken.
Teesside Airport’s Freeport status enhances its competitiveness by offering customs and tax benefits. Its location in Northeast England provides geographic advantages for serving airlines based in northern UK cities. Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, has emphasized the airport’s strategic position and its potential to become a key MRO center.
The July 2025 agreement between WASL and Jet2.com confirms a commitment to two base maintenance lines for the 2025–2026 season. This expansion builds on the successful completion of a single maintenance line earlier in the year. The services will be carried out at WASL’s new facility at Teesside International Airport and will include heavy airframe checks, transitional maintenance, and aircraft painting.
Jet2.com cited WASL’s performance and reliability as key factors in expanding the partnership. The collaboration allows Jet2.com to centralize a significant portion of its maintenance operations, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times. For WASL, the agreement strengthens its position in the UK MRO market and supports its long-term growth strategy.
WLFC’s vertically integrated model enhances the value proposition of the partnership. By combining leasing, maintenance, and asset management, WLFC provides a comprehensive solution to airline customers. The financial impact of this strategy is reflected in WLFC’s Q1 2025 results, which showed a 32.5% year-over-year increase in revenue to $157.7 million.
“Our investment in Teesside enables WASL to deliver essential services for airlines including Jet2 and reflects our commitment to driving local economic growth and creating skilled jobs in the UK aerospace industry.” – Austin C. Willis, CEO of WLFC
The expanded partnership is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Teesside region. WASL’s facility will create a substantial number of high-skilled jobs, including positions for aircraft engineers, technicians, and support staff. The broader Aviation Village project is projected to result in 250–300 permanent jobs upon completion.
Beyond direct employment, the collaboration supports workforce development through apprenticeships and training programs. These initiatives are aligned with the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) framework and aim to build a sustainable pipeline of technical talent in the region. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of such initiatives in addressing regional skill shortages. Public investment in the airport’s infrastructure, including a £12.5 million package approved by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, further supports the region’s economic transformation. The improvements in road and taxiway access enhance the airport’s capacity to attract additional aviation businesses and expand its service offerings.
The European MRO market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing air travel and the aging of aircraft fleets. In 2025, the market is valued at approximately €10.82 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42% through 2033. Narrowbody aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, dominate the market and align with WASL’s capabilities.
The UK MRO market alone had a market share of approximately USD 3.99 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8%. Regional hubs like Teesside are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, particularly as larger airports face capacity constraints. Teesside’s Freeport status and infrastructure investments enhance its ability to attract MRO business.
WLFC’s focus on next-generation engines, such as the LEAP engines used in the 737 MAX and A320neo, positions WASL for long-term relevance. As these engines mature, demand for specialized maintenance services is expected to increase. Jet2.com’s fleet renewal plans, which include newer 737 variants, ensure ongoing demand for WASL’s services.
The expanded maintenance partnership between WASL and Jet2.com represents a strategic alignment of capabilities and needs in the evolving MRO landscape. For WLFC, it reinforces the value of its vertically integrated model, while for Jet2.com, it ensures reliable and efficient maintenance support. The collaboration also contributes to regional economic development and supports the UK’s broader aviation strategy.
Looking ahead, the partnership may evolve to include additional services and clients as WASL expands its capacity. The integration of advanced maintenance technologies and sustainable aviation initiatives could further enhance the value of the Teesside facility. As the European MRO market continues to grow, collaborations like this will play a critical role in shaping the industry’s future.
Expansion of Aircraft Maintenance Partnership Between Willis Aviation Services and Jet2.com at Teesside Airport
Background of Willis Lease Finance Corporation and WASL
Jet2.com: A Leading UK Leisure Airline
Teesside International Airport as an Emerging MRO Hub
Details of the Expanded Maintenance Agreement
Economic and Regional Development Implications
Industry Context and MRO Market Growth
Conclusion
FAQ
Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) is a UK-based subsidiary of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, providing aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
The agreement includes two base maintenance lines for Jet2.com’s fleet at WASL’s facility in Teesside for the 2025–2026 season.
The partnership is expected to create a significant number of skilled jobs and contribute to regional economic development in Northeast England.Sources
Photo Credit: Wales Online