Airbourne Colours Hangar 9 Nears Completion at Teesside Airport UK

Airbourne Colours’ Hangar 9 at Teesside Airport Nears Completion: A Strategic Boost for UK Aviation

The near completion of Hangar 9 at Teesside International Airport marks a pivotal development for both Airbourne Colours and the broader Tees Valley region. This expansion, led by the UK’s only privately-owned aircraft painting specialist, comes amid surging demand for aircraft maintenance and overhaul services across Europe. The project is not only a testament to the resilience and ambition of regional enterprise but also highlights the evolving role of regional Airports in the UK’s aviation and economic landscape.

Over the past decade, Teesside Airport has undergone a remarkable transformation from the brink of closure to a thriving hub for aviation services. Airbourne Colours’ investment, its second major hangar in as many years, signals growing confidence in Teesside’s future as a center for high-value, skilled employment and specialized aviation activity. The story of Hangar 9 is one of strategic vision, public-private collaboration, and the power of local roots to drive global competitiveness.

Background: Teesside Airport’s Revival and Airbourne Colours’ Growth

Teesside International Airport, acquired by the Tees Valley Combined Authority in 2019, was once facing permanent closure. Public intervention and a ten-year turnaround plan have since reversed its fortunes, with passenger numbers rising from 128,000 in 2017 to 227,000 by 2023. The airport’s strategic pivot towards business aviation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services has been crucial to its resurgence.

Central to this transformation is Airbourne Colours, founded by Teessider Steve Darbyshire. The company, now employing over 150 people and serving major Airlines like easyJet, Jet2, and Lufthansa, invested £6.5 million in its first Teesside hangar, which opened in October 2024. Demand has outstripped capacity, with a full order book for the next two years, prompting the construction of Hangar 9, a second, larger facility scheduled to open in November 2025.

The airport’s inclusion in the Teesside Freeport, the UK’s largest, has provided additional incentives for investment. Companies operating within the Freeport benefit from tax breaks, simplified customs, and access to a skilled local workforce. This environment has attracted not only Airbourne Colours but also other aviation firms, contributing to over 900 jobs supported by the airport and an annual economic impact exceeding £50 million.

Strategic Investments and Infrastructure

Hangar 9 is part of a broader £12.5 million infrastructure program at Teesside Airport, which includes new taxiways, roads, and business park development. The hangar will accommodate the largest narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10, reflecting the needs of a modern, evolving airline fleet. Construction is being managed by S&A Fabrications, a local contractor that also delivered Airbourne Colours’ first facility.

This strategic investment is designed to maximize synergies among the airport’s tenants. Alongside Airbourne Colours, Willis Aviation Services is building a twin-bay hangar for MRO operations, and Draken is expanding its defense aviation services. The coordinated approach ensures infrastructure supports multiple business lines, amplifying the airport’s economic and operational impact.

The airport’s transformation has been recognized nationally, with awards and increased attention from industry leaders. The business park’s first unit is now complete, and the long-term plan is to create thousands of jobs and attract further high-value manufacturing and service companies to the region.

“The airport’s strategic shift to specialized aviation services has been crucial to its resurgence, creating new value propositions and sustainable financial foundations.”

Hangar 9: Technical Capabilities and Economic Impact

Hangar 9 is engineered to handle the most in-demand aircraft in the European market. Its advanced design incorporates state-of-the-art ventilation, lighting, and environmental controls necessary for modern aircraft painting and refinishing. The facility’s scale and technical sophistication enable Airbourne Colours to serve the growing market for fleet upgrades, airline rebrandings, and routine maintenance.

The economic impact extends far beyond construction costs. The project is expected to create dozens of new skilled jobs, with additional employment generated through supply chains and support services. Airbourne Colours’ partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education is already preparing the next generation of aircraft painters, with trainees earning salaries well above the regional average upon graduation.

The skills pipeline is supported by public funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, ensuring that local residents benefit directly from new opportunities. The airport’s Freeport status further enhances the business case, streamlining international trade and reducing operational costs for companies serving global airline customers.

Market Demand and Competitive Positioning

The European aircraft painting and MRO market is experiencing strong demand, driven by fleet modernization, regulatory changes, and the return of aircraft to service post-pandemic. Airbourne Colours is one of the few independent providers capable of handling Commercial-Aircraft at scale, giving it a competitive edge in a concentrated market.

The company’s focus on narrow-body aircraft aligns with industry trends, as short and medium-haul routes remain the backbone of European air travel. Its operational flexibility, customer service, and technical expertise have secured long-term contracts with leading airlines, ensuring high utilization rates for its facilities.

Teesside’s geographic location offers logistical advantages, with easy access to major European aviation hubs and lower operating costs than more congested airports. The Freeport incentives further enhance its attractiveness to international customers, supporting the airport’s ambition to become a one-stop shop for airline maintenance and overhaul.

“Our order book is full for the next two years. The demand for quality aircraft painting in Europe has never been higher.” — Steve Darbyshire, Managing Director, Airbourne Colours

Workforce Development and Regional Benefits

One of the standout features of the Hangar 9 project is its emphasis on workforce development. Through its partnership with Hartlepool College, Airbourne Colours is offering specialized training programs that address industry needs and provide pathways to well-paid careers. The initial cohort of 24 trainees exemplifies how targeted skills investment can drive social mobility and economic inclusion.

The airport’s cluster of aviation businesses creates further opportunities for apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Willis Aviation Services, for example, has committed to enrolling apprentices across its sites, while Draken’s defense contracts provide additional technical roles. This concentration of expertise supports a resilient, adaptable workforce capable of meeting industry demands.

The multiplier effect of these investments is significant. Local suppliers, logistics providers, and service businesses all benefit from increased activity at the airport. The integration of aviation services with broader manufacturing and engineering capabilities enhances the region’s reputation as a destination for advanced industry.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Considerations

Aircraft painting operations are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight, including Civil Aviation Authority standards, environmental controls, and health and safety requirements. Hangar 9 incorporates advanced systems to manage emissions, waste, and chemical handling, ensuring compliance with evolving UK and international standards.

The Freeport designation introduces additional customs and trade procedures, but also simplifies many aspects of international operations. This regulatory environment supports efficient, cost-effective service delivery for both domestic and foreign airline clients.

As environmental concerns grow, facilities like Hangar 9 are investing in technology and best practices to minimize their ecological footprint. This positions Teesside as a leader in sustainable aviation services, capable of meeting the demands of airlines prioritizing green operations.

Conclusion: Strategic Outlook and Future Implications

The imminent completion of Hangar 9 at Teesside Airport is more than a business expansion, it is a symbol of regional renewal, strategic foresight, and the power of public-private collaboration. Airbourne Colours’ success story demonstrates how local entrepreneurship, when paired with supportive infrastructure and policy, can drive global competitiveness in high-value industries.

As the European aviation market continues to evolve, Teesside’s integrated approach, combining technical excellence, workforce development, and strategic investment, offers a blueprint for other regional airports. With a full order book, strong partnerships, and a growing reputation, Airbourne Colours and Teesside Airport are well-positioned to shape the future of UK aviation services and regional economic growth.

FAQ

Q: When will Hangar 9 at Teesside Airport open?
A: Hangar 9 is scheduled to open in November 2025.

Q: What types of aircraft will Hangar 9 accommodate?
A: The facility is designed for large narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10.

Q: How is the local community benefiting from this development?
A: The project is creating skilled jobs, offering specialized training programs, and supporting local suppliers, contributing to regional economic growth.

Q: What incentives are available for businesses at Teesside Airport?
A: As part of the Teesside Freeport, businesses benefit from tax breaks, simplified customs, and investment rebates.

Q: Who is leading the Hangar 9 project?
A: Airbourne Colours, founded and led by Steve Darbyshire, is the company behind Hangar 9.

Sources

• Airbourne Colours
• Tees Valley Combined Authority