A GLOBAL aviation company will be using Teesside airport as its base for European aircraft maintenance.

The deal will create 20 high skilled jobs at the airport, with the opportunity for further expansion.

Willis Asset Management Limited, which has its headquarters in Florida, has leased space at the airport to allow it to house aircraft and parts while carrying out maintenance and storage for commercial aircraft.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a fantastic coup for our airport, with Willis choosing Teesside ahead of other locations across Europe thanks to all of the benefits we currently offer, and our future plans.

“We’ve already secured new routes, but I’ve always said that it’s not just about delivering affordable flights to popular destinations – we need to support business and drive investment. Now we’ve secured the investment of a global aviation firm to help us deliver on our ambitions for the airport.

“Alongside the new state-of-the-art logistics and manufacturing park on the airport’s Southside, this development will act as a catalyst for even more success and shows we’re getting noticed by leading businesses on an international scale."

The company has agreed to lease two hangars, with the first phase of the development aimed at creating about 20 highly skilled engineering and management jobs. 

The deal includes further opportunity for expansion in phase two, with the possible development of additional hangar facilities and jobs.

Garry Failler, senior vice president and chief technical officer of Willis Lease Finance Corporation said: “We’ve been very impressed with how quickly things have progressed at Teesside International Airport and their forward-thinking, as well as their drive to attract business from outside of the region.

"We see significant potential in the market segment at Teesside and we are excited to start working with the airport and its partners going forward.”

Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: “This is more fantastic news for Teesside Airport. The fact that a global aviation firm like Willis has chosen Teesside out of anywhere in Europe for their new base shows the true potential of the airport and our region.

“Willis maintains and repairs some of the biggest commercial aircrafts in the world and they will be doing it right here on the edge of Darlington."