MRO & Manufacturing
Airbourne Colours Hangar 9 Nears Completion at Teesside Airport UK
Airbourne Colours expands with Hangar 9 at Teesside Airport, enhancing UK aircraft painting capacity and supporting regional economic growth.
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
Photo Credit: Airbourne Colours
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair Launches AutoStore Robotics System in Singapore for Aerospace Logistics
Satair introduces an advanced AutoStore system in Singapore, enhancing aerospace logistics with robotics and plans for further automation.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair.
Satair Launches Advanced AutoStore Robotics System in Singapore to Scale Aerospace Logistics
Satair has officially inaugurated its new AutoStore system at its Singapore facility, marking a significant step in the company’s global logistics evolution. The project, which received support from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), aims to address growing customer demand across the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing speed, reliability, and scalability in aerospace aftermarket services.
As the commercial aviation sector continues to experience rapid fleet growth in Asia, supply chain resilience has become a critical focus for industry leaders. According to the official press release, this new installation represents Satair’s third AutoStore deployment globally, following successful implementations in Hamburg, Germany, and Dulles, United States.
By integrating intelligent robotics into its logistics backbone, Satair is positioning itself to better serve multi-fleet customer airlines and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies. We recognize that automation is rapidly becoming a baseline requirement for major aerospace distributors looking to maximize efficiency within existing operational footprints.
Scaling Operations with High-Density Automation
Maximizing the Existing Footprint
The newly launched AutoStore system in Singapore leverages high-density storage technology to optimize warehouse space. Satair stated in its release that the system utilizes 23 robots and 60,000 bins to manage inventory.
This automated setup is designed to store approximately 80 percent of the facility’s small and medium-sized parts. Notably, the company achieved this significant increase in storage density without expanding its physical boundaries, keeping the system within an existing 1,000-square-meter footprint.
Leadership Perspectives on Regional Growth
Company executives emphasized the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific market during the inauguration. The integration of advanced automation is seen as a vital component in maintaining a resilient supply chain capable of supporting the region’s expanding aviation sector.
“The inauguration of AutoStore in Singapore is a pivotal step in our transformative regional growth via technology. By integrating this advanced automation, we are ensuring that our supply chain remains resilient and ready to support the rapid fleet growth we see across Asia-Pacific.”
Lee further noted in the release that the investment reflects the company’s commitment to providing consistent, world-class service levels to its customers.
Strengthening the Asia-Pacific Aerospace Ecosystem
Support from Airbus and Local Authorities
The launch event highlighted the collaborative effort between Satair, its parent company Airbus, and local economic authorities. Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific, underscored the region’s role in driving the future of flight and the necessity of anchoring high-value digital services to support next-generation commercial aircraft.
“By integrating intelligent robotics into our logistics backbone, we are not only maximising our efficiency but also anchoring high-value digital services that will support the latest and next-generation commercial aircraft.”
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) also played a key role in supporting the project. Zheng Jingxin, Vice President and Head of Mobility at the EDB, stated in the release that Satair’s investment enhances Singapore’s position as a regional supply chain hub and boosts the digital and automation capabilities of the local aerospace sector.
AirPro News analysis
We observe a clear industry trend where aerospace aftermarket providers are increasingly turning to robotics to solve complex supply chain challenges. Satair’s harmonized global automation strategy indicates that the company is moving away from traditional, labor-intensive warehousing in favor of scalable, tech-driven solutions.
Looking ahead, Satair’s Singapore site is already preparing for further technological integrations. The company announced plans to deploy Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to automate internal transport processes, from picking to shipping. This phased approach to automation suggests that the aerospace logistics sector will continue to see rapid technological advancements in the coming years, ultimately benefiting airlines and MROs through faster turnaround times and improved part availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the AutoStore system launched by Satair?
The AutoStore system is an advanced automated storage and retrieval solution that utilizes robotics to manage warehouse inventory. Satair’s Singapore installation features 23 robots and 60,000 bins to store small and medium-sized aerospace parts.
Where else has Satair implemented this technology?
According to the company’s press release, the Singapore facility is Satair’s third AutoStore installation, following previous deployments in Hamburg, Germany, and Dulles, United States.
How does this impact Satair’s operational footprint?
The high-density nature of the AutoStore system allows Satair to store approximately 80 percent of its small and medium-sized parts within an existing 1,000-square-meter footprint, significantly increasing storage capacity without requiring physical expansion.
What are Satair’s future automation plans for the Singapore site?
Satair plans to further automate its internal transport processes by integrating Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to handle tasks from picking to shipping.
Sources: Satair Press Release
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Precinmac LP Expands Aerospace Manufacturing with Precision Aerospace Acquisition
Precinmac LP acquires Precision Aerospace Holdings to add EDM capabilities and expand its aerospace, defense, and space manufacturing footprint.
Precinmac LP Acquires Precision Aerospace Holdings to Expand Defense and Space Manufacturing
On April 8, 2026, Maine-based precision manufacturing platform Precinmac LP announced the strategic acquisition of Dallas-based Precision Aerospace Holdings, LLC (PAH). According to the official press release, the move is designed to deepen Precinmac’s manufacturing capabilities and increase its capacity to serve prime contractors across the aerospace, defense, and space sectors.
The acquisition highlights an ongoing trend of consolidation within the highly fragmented aerospace and defense supply chain. By integrating PAH, Precinmac adds specialized Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM) to its portfolio, a critical technology for shaping the advanced materials required in modern aerospace engineering.
While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the company’s announcement, the deal represents a significant expansion of Precinmac’s geographic footprint and technical offerings, positioning the company as a more comprehensive supplier for major industry players.
The Companies Involved
Precinmac LP’s Expanding Footprint
Headquartered in South Paris, Maine, Precinmac operates as a Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier specializing in high-complexity, precision-machined components. The company’s capabilities include precision milling, turning, multi-axis machining, grinding, and close-tolerance fabrication. According to the release, Precinmac is backed by Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a major private investment firm with approximately $43 billion in assets under management as of mid-2025. Centerbridge invested in Precinmac in December 2024 to help accelerate the manufacturer’s growth.
Prior to this acquisition, Precinmac operated eight distinct divisions across the United States and Canada: Hoppe Technologies, HPG, Maine Machine Products Company, Major Tool and Machine, Petersen Inc., Shields Manufacturing, Trimaster Manufacturing, and Viper Northwest. With the completion of this deal, PAH will be integrated as the company’s ninth division.
Precision Aerospace Holdings (PAH)
Based in Dallas, Texas, PAH is a relatively recent consolidation itself. The company was launched in 2022 by bringing together five regional manufacturing firms under a single umbrella: Applegate EDM, Clearwater Engineering, Decatur Machine Services, Icon Machine Co., and Owens Machine and Tool Company. PAH’s core specialty lies in precision machining and Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM), making it a highly attractive target for larger platforms seeking specialized capabilities.
Strategic Rationale and Industry Impact
The Role of Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM)
The addition of PAH brings specialized EDM capabilities directly into Precinmac’s service offerings. EDM utilizes electrical sparks to cut and shape materials, a process highly valued in aerospace and space manufacturing. This technology allows for the precise shaping of extremely hard metals, such as titanium and Inconel superalloys, which are frequently used in jet engines and rockets. These materials and complex geometries are often too difficult to process using traditional cutting tools.
Geographic and Supply Chain Advantages
The aerospace and defense manufacturing sector has historically relied on thousands of small, independent machine shops. However, prime contractors, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and SpaceX, are increasingly demanding to work with fewer, larger, and better-capitalized suppliers to mitigate supply-chain risks. Precinmac’s acquisition of PAH aligns with this industry shift, allowing the company to offer a broader range of services at a larger scale.
Furthermore, PAH’s headquarters in Dallas provides Precinmac with a strategic geographic advantage. Texas serves as a massive hub for aerospace, defense, and space companies, placing Precinmac in closer proximity to major customers in the American Southwest.
Leadership Perspectives and Deal Details
Leadership from both organizations expressed optimism about the integration and the expanded capabilities it will bring to their customer base. In the press release, Precinmac CEO Eric Wisnefsky highlighted the strategic fit of the two companies.
“This business complements our existing portfolio as it also serves high requirements customers, produces medium to high complexity parts, and participates in critical long running programs within the Aerospace, Defense, and Space industries.”
, Eric Wisnefsky, CEO of Precinmac
Similarly, PAH CEO Peter Stegmaier emphasized Precinmac’s track record of supporting its subsidiaries and workforce.
“Precinmac has consistently demonstrated a commitment to investing not only in advanced equipment to support customer growth, but also in the development of our people, who are critical to our continued success.”
, Peter Stegmaier, CEO of PAH
The press release also noted the advisory teams that facilitated the transaction. Vinson & Elkins served as legal counsel for Precinmac, while Baker Botts served as legal counsel for PAH. Lincoln International LLC acted as the financial advisor for the deal.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a textbook example of the “roll-up of a roll-up” strategy currently sweeping the defense industrial base. PAH successfully consolidated five smaller companies in 2022, proving the viability of those combined assets. Now, by absorbing PAH, Precinmac is accelerating its own private equity-driven expansion under Centerbridge Partners. As global defense budgets rise and the commercial space sector demands higher volumes of mission-critical components, mid-tier suppliers are racing to achieve the scale necessary to become indispensable “one-stop shops” for prime contractors. The specific targeting of EDM capabilities also underscores that future aerospace manufacturing will rely heavily on specialized technologies capable of handling next-generation, heat-resistant superalloys.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM)? EDM is a manufacturing process that uses electrical sparks to cut and shape extremely hard materials, such as titanium and Inconel, which are difficult to machine with traditional tools.
- How many divisions does Precinmac operate? Following the acquisition of PAH, Precinmac now operates nine distinct manufacturing divisions across the U.S. and Canada.
- Who backed Precinmac’s acquisition? Precinmac is a portfolio company of Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a private investment firm that invested in the manufacturer in December 2024.
Sources
Photo Credit: Precinmac
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies Launch Automated Engine Inspection Templates
GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies introduce automated inspection templates for GEnx-1B and -2B engines to standardize and accelerate maintenance.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies.
Waygate Technologies and GE Aerospace have announced the rollout of new automated inspection templates designed to standardize and accelerate the maintenance of critical aircraft engine components. The new Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) templates specifically target GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections, bringing a new level of automation to the process.
According to the official press release, the templates are integrated into Waygate Technologies’ Mentor Visual iQ+ video borescope. This development builds on a Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) established between the two companies in 2023, which aims to enhance commercial engine inspections through artificial intelligence and advanced visual guidance.
By embedding guided workflows and AI assistance, the new tools are expected to reduce operator variability and ensure consistent, high-quality imaging during every assessment. We note that this move addresses broader industry challenges, including workforce training and the need for more efficient maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
Standardizing Engine Maintenance with AI
The newly deployed MDI templates are engineered to guide inspectors in capturing recommended views for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) S1 and S2 blades. The press release notes that these guided workflows fully align with standard Aircraft Maintenance Manual tasks, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
To assist technicians, the system provides image overlays and representative images directly on the borescope screen. This visual guidance is paired with both automated and manual 3D measurement capabilities, allowing operators to assess line, area, depth, and profile metrics with greater precision.
“Together with Waygate Technologies, we’re further integrating automation and AI to help our operators drive more standardization, consistency, and efficiency with video borescope inspections for critical engine parts. These technologies are empowering our MRO workforce to work more productively, while raising the bar even higher on safety and quality,” stated Nicole Jenkins, Chief MRO Engineer at GE Aerospace, in the joint press release.
Enhancing Workflow and Workforce Enablement
Beyond visual guidance, the updated inspection tools offer significant improvements in data management and traceability. Automated image and video data labeling enriches the quality of inspection records, making it easier to track the health of engine components over time.
Connectivity is also a major focus of the new system. Inspectors can transition seamlessly between different inspection areas and store their results in real-time using Waygate Technologies’ InspectionWorks Insight cloud platform. According to the companies, this facilitates seamless data sharing and fleet optimization across MRO networks.
“We are excited to see the MDI Templates now available to our customers, providing a standardized approach to inspections and advancing the next phase of automation in engine maintenance,” said Michael Domke, General Manager Visual at Waygate Technologies.
AirPro News analysis
We view this deployment as a critical step in addressing the aviation industry’s ongoing labor shortages and the increasing complexity of modern aircraft engines. By reducing the learning curve for new technicians through clear visual guidance, MRO providers can scale their operations more effectively.
Furthermore, the integration of cloud-based data sharing and AI-assisted measurements aligns with a broader industry trend toward predictive maintenance. As GE Aerospace supports an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, standardizing inspection data across such a massive fleet could yield significant long-term reliability improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines are compatible with the new MDI templates?
The new automated Menu Directed Inspection templates are currently designed for GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections.
When did the partnership between GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies begin?
The two companies have been collaborating under a Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) since 2023.
What specific engine parts do the templates inspect?
The templates guide inspectors in achieving recommended views for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) S1 and S2 blades.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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