Aircraft painting firm Airbourne Colours has opened a second multi-million-pound aircraft painting facility at Teesside Airport, creating up to 40 new jobs as part of its ongoing expansion drive.

The new 27,000 sq ft hangar, located on the airport’s northside, was completed on schedule and will handle narrowbody aircraft including the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX 10.

Developed to meet growing demand from global airlines, the new base coincides with Airbourne Colours’ 15th anniversary.

“It is outstanding to see the completion of our fantastic new facility at Teesside Airport which is essential in helping us meet the demand from our clients across the global aircraft industry,” said Steve Darbyshire, founder and chief executive of Airbourne Colours.

“As a born and bred Teessider, it’s been brilliant to grow our business so quickly here and bring even more high-quality job opportunities which will benefit local people.”

Airbourne Colours, Europe’s only privately owned aircraft painting company, counts Jet2, BA Cityflyer, Loganair, Smartlynx, SAS, TAP Portugal, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines among its customers.

The company began operations at its first Teesside facility in October 2024 and now records an annual turnover of £15 million.

The new hangar, built by Barnard Castle-based S&A Fabrications, took under a year to complete, using more than 230 tonnes of British steel. It forms part of a broader wave of investment at Teesside Airport, which has seen recent developments by Willis Aviation and Draken, supported by a £12.5 million infrastructure package from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “When we brought Teesside Airport back into public ownership, it wasn’t only to revive holiday flights for local people but also to develop a thriving business park attracting international investors and creating well-paid, highly skilled jobs.

“This is further evidence of how we are delivering on that promise thanks to outstanding businesses such as Airbourne Colours expanding their operations.”

Airbourne’s partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education has also supported local workforce development through an Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme, with graduates earning up to £35,000 annually.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, added: “This fantastic new facility further strengthens Teesside’s growing reputation as a leading centre for airline maintenance, repair and overhaul.”

READ MORE NEWS: Airbourne Colours completes second Lufthansa paint job at Teesside facility