THERE are long-term plans which could see Ryanair set up a permanent base at Teesside Airport, The Northern Echo can reveal.

The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has said he is confident that a seven-year deal between the airline and the airport will go beyond 2027. 

It follows on from the departure of the first Ryanair flight from Teesside Airport in more than a decade on Tuesday.

Read more: Holidaymakers set off on FIRST Ryanair flight from Teesside in 10 years

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Houchen said sales for the flights from Teesside had exceeded sales for the same flights from other airports.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

He made the comments as he revealed there were long-term plans to encourage Ryanair to set up a base in the region. 

He said: “If we continue how we started, I am more than confident they won't just stay here for seven years, they'll be here for the long-term.

"I want to encourage them to set up a base here, rather than just having the flights from Teesside airport - I think we can achieve that in the coming years ahead."

Currently, Ryanair operates its flights to Teesside from other airports meaning the cabin crew and aircraft are not based in the North-East.

Read more: Brand new shops and restaurant unveiled as Teesside Airport refit is FINISHED 

But a base, which would see crew and Ryanair aircraft based at the airport, along with maintenance, would potentially see the creation of further jobs.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Mr Houchen said: "This is just the start of the journey and that’s why we set out the ten-year plan because to save our airport, and make it a good quality regional and international airport.

"It's not going to happen overnight, but we are two years into that journey, we are ahead of target and we're seeing that with Ryanair and the passenger numbers we're looking at."

Phil Forster, Managing Director at Teesside Airport, echoed Mr Houchen's comments as he said the airport maintained a good relationship with the airline.

The Northern Echo:

He added: "It's a really proud moment for the region, for the Tees Valley and massively for the airport and the team.

"It's been a real team effort. A real proud day and one of the first key milestones in the rebirth of the airport.

"We're very confident, we have a good relationship with team at Ryanair, they're very excited for the plans we have here.

"They know the work we're putting in behind the scenes and they know that when their aircraft come in we're looking after their expensive pieces of equipment."