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.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the exciting development, stating: “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.”

Steve Darbyshire and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen at the new hangar under construction at Teesside Airport. Image: Dave Charnley Photography

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.

About Airbourne Colours

Established in 2010, Airbourne Colours has been at the forefront of aircraft painting and refinishing, specialising in commercial and corporate aircraft. The company’s narrow body paint facilities at East Midlands Airport is a strategic hub for aircraft painting services, accommodating aircraft types up to Airbus A321 and Boeing 737-800. In addition, complementing this facility, 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.

All images credited to Dave Charnley Photography