Willis Lease Finance Corporation Expands With Second Hangar Launched At Teesside Airport

Willis Lease Finance Corporation, the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, has officially opened its second hangar at Teesside International Airport as part of an expansion of its operations.

This hangar was initially announced in April 2025 as WLFC subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (“WASL”), started construction.

WASL opened its new 60ft-high twin-bay facility at a packed event on Monday (13 October).

Spanning 330ft by 160ft, the new hangar is fully equipped to service Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-family aircraft, including next-generation models.

The new £13.5million facility will complement WASL’s long-term Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations at Teesside International Airport.

It marks the single biggest private investment at Teesside Airport in decades.

WLFC offers a nose-to-tail service, providing everything airlines, lessors and third-party owners need to maintain, care for, and store their aircraft at Teesside.

Also, The Jet Centre by Willis offers a full range of ground handling services for business, private aviation, military, and cargo flights.

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said: “Teesside is fast becoming the go-to destination for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul offering a full wrap-around service.

“WASL’s new hangar is a fantastic vote of confidence in our airport and our region – and I thank them for their continued investment and support. This expansion shows that Teesside has the skills, space and strategic location that major firms are looking for.

“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with WASL – and we know they have been successful in securing contracts and agreements with airlines and operators in the past 12 months.

“This facility marks another major milestone in securing long-term jobs, building careers, and driving sustainable growth for the future of Teesside Airport.”

The wider Willis Lease Finance Corporation and its subsidiary, Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited (“WSF”), entered into license and engineering agreements with two global leaders in sustainable technology – Johnson Matthey and Axens – earlier this year to create a sustainable aviation fuel project on Teesside.

“With the addition of this hangar, we are proud to provide an even more robust offering at Teesside,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC.

“Not only will this bring more services for our customers, but it will also stimulate jobs and economic growth in the region. We are thrilled to play a role in that.”

A package of support to improve infrastructure at Teesside Airport was agreed by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet earlier this year – helping to unlock improved roads and new taxiways for the new WLFC facility.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Willis has been a brilliant supporter of our airport for many years, and it’s wonderful to see their businesses thrive and grow with this new twin-bay hangar now complete and their vision across Teesside moving forward.

“Holiday flights are important – and we won’t stop working to secure more routes local people are asking for. But making sure our airport isn’t just financially stable, but thriving, is key if we want the airport to reach its full potential.

“This expansion further secures our airport’s financial future and, crucially, creates even more well-paid jobs for local people to build brilliant careers in aviation right on their doorstep.”

The new twin-bay WASL hangar was fabricated by North East-based firm S&A Fabrications.

This vote of confidence from WLFC comes as Teesside Airport’s Business Park sees rapid growth with companies expanding across the site.

Aircraft painting company Airbourne Colours is seeing its second hangar nearing completion as the international firm looks to cater for rising demand.

Aviation and technology firm Draken, who support RAF fighter training, secured a £173million Ministry of Defence contract earlier this year to cement their presence at Teesside until 2030 at the earliest.

The firm has sought planning permission for an additional hangar at the airport.