Stockton-on-Tees born businessman, Steve Darbyshire, has returned to his roots, bringing his aircraft painting company, Airbourne Colours, to Teesside International Airport.

The new facility, launched today following a £6.5 million investment, is set to create 40 jobs for the region, with plans to expand the workforce to over 200.

The expansion reflects the firm’s commitment to growth and its ongoing investment in the Teesside area.

Steve Darbyshire, the founder and CEO of Airbourne Colours, expressed his pride in bringing the business back to his hometown. “It means a lot to me to create job opportunities here in Teesside,” he said.

He continued: “I am feeling very emotional today. I had to leave Teesside to go and find a job elsewhere as there were no opportunities. So to be coming back here today doing my first day of work ever in Teesside and in the position I am right now is really special. To be bringing these job opportunities back home is just great, it means a lot to me” said Darbyshire.

The company’s new hangar, located in the airport’s Business Park North, will help boost the local economy.

The first aircraft to be painted in the new facility is a Jet 2 Boeing 737-800, with Jet 2 becoming a key customer for the company for the rest of the season.

Read more:

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Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the benefits to the airport’s long-term growth.

He said: “This marks the beginning of a new era for the airport, creating jobs, investment, and helping diversify our income beyond passenger flights.”

“We are always looking at new ways to diversify revenues in order to lengthen our sustainability and develop ourselves as an airport.”

He continued: “We have now brought in this £200 million pound business partner and are always looking for the next way we can expand so the future is very exciting.”

The arrival of Airbourne Colours is seen as a significant step in the ongoing regeneration of Teesside International Airport.