Airbourne Colours has unveiled a new 27,000-square-foot paint hangar at Teesside International Airport to provide aircraft painting services for major European airlines, like Jet2, easyJet, Loganair, Smartlynx, Lufthansa, Aegean, and Brussels Airlines.
Airbourne Colours, a prominent aircraft painting specialist, is embarking on a significant expansion in 2024 with the unveiling of a new hangar at Teesside International Airport. The move represents a pivotal phase in the company’s growth across the UK, and the Teesside-born entrepreneur and CEO, Steve Darbyshire, plans to invest £6.5 million in establishing a base on Teesside, generating 40 new jobs in the region.
With an annual turnover exceeding £10 million, Airbourne Colours is a key player in the aviation industry, providing aircraft painting services for major European airlines, including Jet2, easyJet, Loganair, Smartlynx, Lufthansa, Aegean, and Brussels Airlines, among others.
Steve Darbyshire, founder and Chief Executive, Airbourne Colours said, “Little did I know that after 14 years since Airbourne Colours’ inception in a location over 300 miles from Teesside Airport, I would get the opportunity to return to my roots. It fills me with great pride to be part of this journey, contribute to the airport’s regeneration, and provide well-paid jobs in Teesside. This is a personal childhood dream come true.”
The construction of the 27,000-square-foot hangar is currently underway, following conditional planning approval granted by Darlington Borough Council in October 2023. The main contractor for the development is Barnard Castle-based S&A Fabrications, with completion expected in Q3 2024. British Steel plays a crucial role in the construction process.
Ben Houchen, Mayor, Tees Valley said, “This is more great news for our airport which is making its mark on the aviation scene. To have another world-renowned firm set up a base at Teesside is another big vote of confidence in our airport. It’s also good to see a successful Teessider leading the charge. This base will mean more high-quality jobs at our airport and bringing more income to fuel our turnaround plan.”
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Established in 2010, Airbourne Colours has been a leader in aircraft painting and refinishing, specializing in commercial and corporate aircraft. The company’s narrow-body paint facilities at East Midlands Airport serve as a strategic hub for aircraft painting services, accommodating aircraft types up to Airbus A321 and Boeing 737-800. Additionally, the Exeter Airport paint facility is tailored to meet the needs of the smaller business and commercial jet market, equipped for aircraft types up to ATR 72. The expansion at Teesside International Airport reflects Airbourne Colours’ commitment to growth and its contribution to the regional aviation landscape.
Question – What major airlines will Airbourne Colours’ new Teesside hangar cater to?
Answer- The hangar will serve prominent European airlines like Jet2, easyJet, Loganair, Smartlynx, Lufthansa, Aegean, and Brussels Airlines.
Question- How much is Airbourne Colours investing in the Teesside expansion and how many jobs will it create?
Answer- Airbourne Colours plans to invest £6.5 million in the project, generating 40 new jobs in the region.
Question- When is the new hangar expected to be operational?
Answer- he 27,000-square-foot hangar is currently under construction with completion anticipated in Q3 2024.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
