New hanger 'pivotal' for airport's success

Dozens of guests assembled in the hanger for an opening ceremony

A new airport hanger equipped to service Boeing 737 and Airbus A320s has opened with chiefs describing it as a "pivotal day" for the site.

The structure is the second to be opened at Teesside International Airport, near Darlington, by aviation firm Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WASL).

About 100 jobs and 12 apprenticeships are to be created as part of the venture.

Costing £13.5m, WASL said the facility would help with its "nose-to-tail service" for companies storing planes at the airport.

Executive chairman Charles Willis told the BBC it brought the company's overall investment there to about £75m with up to £200m more possibly to come over the next three years.

'Vote of confidence'

Phil Forster, the airport's managing director, added: "It's a pivotal day, a huge milestone for Teesside Airport.

"WASL's new hangar is a fantastic vote of confidence in our airport and our region – and I thank them for their continued investment and support.

"This expansion shows that Teesside has the skills, space and strategic location that major firms are looking for."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was also positive about the facility's potential impact.

"Holiday flights are important and we won't stop working to secure more routes local people are asking for," he said.

"But making sure our airport isn't just financially stable, but thriving, is key if we want the airport to reach its full potential.

"This expansion further secures our airport's financial future and, crucially, creates even more well-paid jobs for local people to build brilliant careers in aviation right on their doorstep."