Member News
Progress is roaring ahead on creating a huge new twin-bay hangar for a growing international aviation company at Teesside Airport.
The 50ft-high facility, built by Willis Aviation Services Limited, is taking shape on the airport’s north side to cater for the company’s growing operations.
The 100m x 50m hangar will be equipped for 737 and A320 family aircraft, including new-generation models and expands on the company’s existing base at Teesside.
The new facility is expected to create a significant number of new highly-skilled jobs at Teesside and is further vote of confidence in the vision to develop Teesside Airport as a centre for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet recently agreed a £12.5million package for airport infrastructure as part of a wider Investment Plan – including roads and taxiways for the Willis twin-bay hangar.
Meanwhile, plans have now been submitted for another new hangar for aviation and technology company Draken to further establish Teesside Airport as a base to help train RAF Fighters.
The expansion comes following signing of a £173million contract with the Ministry of Defence this year which cemented its place at Teesside for another five years.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see steel in the ground and even more progress roaring ahead at our airport site.
“Willis have been brilliant supporters of our airport and it’s wonderful to see their businesses thrive – with this expansion creating even more well-paid jobs for local people.
“And it’s also pleasing to see plans moving forward for Draken to secure their vital place on Teesside.
“Holiday flights are important – and to have Malaga back in its rightful place on our departure boards is a huge boost. It’s also crucial we continue to attract more routes, too.
“But we’re also ramping up our business park and investing to secure vital income for the airport through landing fees, rent, and jobs.
“By backing businesses in Airbourne Colours, Willis, Draken – and attracting others – we’re forging new careers and we’re laying the groundwork to attract even more international companies to our airport.”
Willis have had long term ambitions to expand their operations at Teesside Airport. Jet Centre by Willis offers a full range of ground handling services for business, private aviation, military, and cargo flights.
Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, added: “We have fantastic transport links, a unique location in the heart of the UK and the benefits of Freeport status. It all means Teesside Airport Business Park offers major advantages for companies.
“Willis have been loyal supporters and partners of the airport for many years and it’s great to see them grow and cement their place here with this new facility.
“With new long-term agreements at our airport, it means we’re really gaining a reputation as a viable one-stop shop for airline maintenance, repair and operations overhaul.”
Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, said: “We made a promise to create several hundred jobs in North-East England, and we are proud to be delivering on that commitment.
“We are following through on our pledge to establish and expand our services in this region and beyond. Our integrated services businesses support third-party customers, as well as the Company’s owned and managed assets, driving meaningful growth and opportunity in the communities we serve.”
Willis will host a jobs fair at its existing Teesside Airport base from 10am to 2pm on 16 May where local people can hear about the new opportunities available.
