Airbourne Colours expands with paint facility at Teesside Airport

Airbourne Colours, a leading aircraft painting specialist, is powering into 2024 by unveiling a brand-new hangar at Teesside International Airport, marking a pivotal phase in the company’s expansion across the UK.

Teesside-born entrepreneur Steve Darbyshire, founder and Chief Executive of Airbourne Colours, is steering the company back to its roots by investing £6.5 million in establishing a base on Teesside, with plans to generate 40 new jobs in the region.

With an annual turnover exceeding £10 million, Airbourne Colours holds a prominent position in the aviation industry, providing aircraft painting services for major European airlines, including Jet2, easyJet, Loganair, Smartlynx, Lufthansa, Aegean and Brussels Airlines to name a few.

Commenting on the company’s expansion, Steve Darbyshire 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.”

Construction of the 27,000-square-foot hangar is currently underway, following conditional planning approval granted by Darlington Borough Council in October 2023.

Barnard Castle-based S&A Fabrications is the main contractor for the development, with completion expected in Q3 2024, and British Steel playing a crucial role in the construction process.
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