Teesside’s runway is no stranger to red carpet celebs, having played host to many household names over the years, from Prince Charles and Princess Diana back in 1987 to the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Miley Cyrus for Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Middlesbrough in 2019. This year has been no different. Here are seven of the biggest names - and one mystery star - to ‘Fly Teesside’ in 2022.

 

Tom Cruise

September 2022

Top Gun legend Tom Cruise swapped his F18 for a private jet when he made the Maverick decision to drop into Teesside this autumn… It is understood the Hollywood A-Lister was back in the North East filming scenes for the next Mission Impossible, which is set for release on July 7, 2023.

The Northern Echo: Take-off for Tom CruiseTake-off for Tom Cruise (Image: Press release)

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Anne, Princess Royal

January 2022

It’s nearly one year since the Princess Royal gave her seal of approval to Teesside Airport, but she isn’t the first royal to fly Teesside. King Charles III, Princess Diana and William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales have all touched down before.

The Northern Echo: Princess Anne at TeessidePrincess Anne at Teesside (Image: Press release)

Boris Johnson

July 2022

The Northern Echo: Boris Johnson takes flightBoris Johnson takes flight (Image: Press release)

Boris Johnson was spotted on the tarmac this summer en route to Hartlepool. The former PM visited the town to pay a visit to local business JDR Cables and meet Hartlepool’s MP Jill Mortimer, confirming the Government’s commitment to levelling up.

 

Harry Kane

The Northern Echo: Spurs on TeessideSpurs on Teesside (Image: Press release)

March 2022

The England Captain touched down at Teesside Airport with his Tottenham Hotspur teammates ahead of their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough FC back in March. Unfortunately for Spurs, they weren’t a match for Boro on home soil, with Josh Coburn netting the winner and knocking out Tottenham with a 1-0 extra-time victory.

 

Middlesbrough FC Team

Throughout 2022

 

Of course, the mighty Boro are regular passengers through the region’s Airport, helping to get the team to many of their away fixtures safely and on time. #UTB!

 

James Arthur

March 2022

The Northern Echo: James Arthur on his Instagram accountJames Arthur on his Instagram account (Image: James Arthur Instagram)

Local lad James Arthur has also been given the star treatment at Teesside Airport this year. The Middlesbrough-born singer gave his Instagram followers a glimpse into his journey through the Airport’s Jet Centre – now operated by Willis Lease Finance Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary Willis Aviation Services Limited – with the caption ‘Daddy’s Home’.

 

Kaz Yajima and the RAF Typhoon

December 2022

The latest legend to leave his mark on Teesside Airport isn’t a Hollywood A-lister or football star, but Second World War veteran and former steelworker, Kaz Yajima, who lives in Middleton St George. Mr Yajima’s 100th birthday was celebrated with a Typhoon flypast, medal presentation and a guard of honour this December. 

The Northern Echo: Kaz Yajima with RAF personnelKaz Yajima with RAF personnel (Image: Press release)

 

XXXXXX!

August 2022

A popular American actress was spotted filming at the airport this summer – one of many filming sessions taking place in the region this year. The detail of the shoot is being kept under wraps for now, but watch this space…