Boost for Teesside as Jet2 and Willis sign maintenance deal for 737s at airport
A major UK airline has signed a maintenance deal which will see Boeing 737s receive vital checks at Teesside Airport.
Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) has entered a long-term agreement with leading leisure airline Jet2.com to carry out in-depth “C-Checks” on 737s at its Teesside base.
It comes following a busy period for the Teesside Airport Business Park – with leading aircraft painting firm Airbourne Colours painting Jet2 aircraft from its new 27,000sq ft facility north of the runway.
The airport’s Jet Centre by Willis provides a full range of ground handling services for business, private aviation, military, and cargo flights – with the company currently leasing Hangar 2 at the airport as its base for aircraft maintenance, storage, and disassembly.
The aviation giant already has planning permission secured to expand its operations at Teesside in aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “This agreement between Willis and Jet2 is another big boost to Teesside, and shows major firms are seeing just how well-placed we are to offer a wide range of services.
“With Airbourne Colours and Willis established here, we’re perfectly placed in the heart of the UK as a base for maintenance and aircraft painting.
“Willis have been our loyal partners for many years and this agreement can only be good news for our future together – and having a firm with the pedigree of Jet2 more involved at Teesside Airport is another huge vote of confidence.”
Austin C. Willis, Willis Lease Finance Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re excited to partner with Jet2.com, a respected airline known for its customer focus and operational excellence.
“This agreement highlights our commitment to delivering premier MRO solutions while supporting Jet2’s fleet, fostering local economic growth and creating skilled jobs in the UK aerospace industry.”
“At Jet2, safety and reliability are at the heart of everything we do,” added Chris Hubbard, Director of Engineering & Maintenance at Jet2.com.
“We are confident that Willis Aviation Services Limited’s proven capability and commitment to quality will ensure our fleet continues to meet the highest standards, enabling us to continue delivering an exceptional experience to our customers.”
The agreement also comes after award-winning vehicle repairer ABL 1 Touch was unveiled as the new tenant at its state-of-the-art facility at Teesside International Airport Business Park.
It occupies a 25,105sq ft unit at the £200million Business Park which saw a mile-long link road connecting the development to the A67 completed last year. The business park will ultimately create 4,400 jobs when fully operational.
For further information on development opportunities and available property at Teesside Airport, contact commercial agents Colliers or AREA.