Around 250 skilled aerospace jobs are landing at a North East airport through the creation of a new aircraft conversion campus. Alfor Aviation has struck a deal which will see it set up its global headquarters in the region – a £50m purpose-built centre focused on converting planes for cargo use.
Job creation and 50-year agreement
The move will see it create 250 highly-skilled jobs, in a 50-year agreement. The firm’s technology can convert planes for cargo operations without cutting large cargo doors into the fuselage, vastly reducing conversion costs and significantly accelerating turnaround times.
Once fully operational, the campus will be capable of converting up to 24 passenger aircraft into freighters each year. Construction is expected to start soon and should be able to start operations by the end of 2027.
Deal struck at Farnborough International Airshow
The deal was struck for the new landmark centre at the famous Farnborough International Airshow, which is taking place this week, between Alfor Aviation and Teesside International Airport, which will host the new campus, providing the skilled jobs for those keen to get into the aerospace sector.
The deal – which marks one of the most significant investments in the UK’s aircraft conversion sector – will result in the £50m investment at Teesside Airport, with Alfor developing the aircraft conversion facility with new hangars, engineering workshops and warehousing. Bosses say it reinforces the airport’s position as one of the fastest growing centres for the global aviation industry.
Consolidation under one roof
The development will bring together executive management, engineering, aircraft conversion, logistics and support functions under one roof. And the conversion centre will significantly ramp up Alfor’s production capability, allowing it to support growing global demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce, express freight and integrated logistics networks.
Supply chain impact
The investment is also expected to strengthen the wider aerospace supply chain across the North East, creating opportunities for local manufacturers, engineering businesses, maintenance providers and specialist aviation suppliers.
Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, said: “This is a landmark investment for Teesside Airport and another major endorsement of the ambitious growth strategy we have been delivering over recent years. By bringing its unique technology to Teesside, Alfor will establish the airport as a centre of excellence for air freight innovation. Aircraft will be converted here and will also be flying from here, further strengthening Teesside’s role in the future of international cargo aviation.
“Our business park is attracting multimillion-pound investments from leading global companies which recognise Teesside as a place where they can invest and grow. Alfor’s decision to establish its global headquarters here is the latest example of that success.”
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “This is another huge vote of confidence in Teesside, our airport and the fantastic opportunities we are creating across our region.
“The investment is a clear demonstration of how Teesside Airport is now an essential engine of economic growth in our region – attracting global businesses, supporting local public services through business rates, and creating well-paid careers for local people.”
