FEATURE
Delivering the future – Amazon ’ s Darlington base is set to host the UK ’ s first drone-based delivery service .
FLYING HIGH FOR
BUSINESS !
Four fantastic Teesside Airport business boosts
Four huge announcements have recently shown how Teesside Airport is working for the region ’ s business community and workers , as well as local passengers .
Global technology giant Amazon has chosen Teesside as the location for its first UK drone deliveries in a major international coup for the region .
Amazon has confirmed that its Darlington fulfilment centre will host the maiden UK flights of Prime Air – its drone-based delivery service .
This will see autonomous drones carry out same-day , 30-minute deliveries from warehouse to customers ’ homes .
The project – one of just a handful globally – has been secured following extensive and detailed work between Amazon , Teesside International Airport and Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen over 18 months .
Planning permission and authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority for the lightweight delivery service will now be sought ahead of the start of operations .
Long-standing tenant Draken has also cemented its future at the airport after agreeing a new deal with the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ).
The company has confirmed it will renew its agreement with the MOD – securing its Teesside operations for another four years after the firm signed a new £ 173m contract with the MOD to support military training with the RAF .
It will also see Draken – which has been based at the airport for 25 years – take on a share of 12 apprentices at its airport base .
The region ’ s reputation as a growing centre for aircraft maintenance has received another big boost after aviation firm Willis secured a second deal with a major airline .
TUI , one of the UK ’ s largest operators , has signed a long-term agreement with Willis Aviation to see maintenance services carried out on its narrow-body aircraft at Teesside .
The deal comes hot on the heels of Willis signing a deal with carrier Jet2 to carry out in-depth “ C-check ” inspections on its Boeing 737s .
The company leases Hangar 2 at the airport as its base for aircraft maintenance ,
Teesside take-off - TUI has signed a long-term maintenance agreement with Willis Aviation .
storage and disassembly . It has also secured planning permission to expand its operations at Teesside in aircraft maintenance , repair and overhaul .
And national firm ABL 1 Touch has been announced as the tenant of the first unit - previously known as Unit D - constructed within the £ 200m Business Park South development , marking a milestone in the park ’ s growth .
The multiple award-winning vehicle repairer is creating 25 jobs in the move , delivering top-tier repair for major insurance companies and vehicle fleet providers .
48 | Tees Business