An aviation company has announced plans to establish a new aircraft conversion facility at Teesside International Airport, creating around 250 high-skilled jobs in the North East of England. The agreement, which marks a significant milestone for the UK’s aircraft conversion sector, was formalized during the Farnborough International Airshow this week.

Alfor Aviation, an aerospace innovator, will invest £50 million to develop the new campus, which will include hangars, engineering workshops, and warehousing. The facility is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027 and will be capable of converting up to 24 passenger aircraft into freighters annually.

In addition to building the conversion centre, Alfor Aviation will relocate its global headquarters to Teesside, consolidating executive management, engineering, logistics, and support functions at the airport. The move underscores Teesside International Airport’s emergence as a growing hub for global aviation and air freight innovation.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, described the investment as a landmark development that reinforces the airport’s strategic growth. He said the initiative will not only advance aircraft conversion capabilities but also strengthen Teesside’s role in international cargo aviation by facilitating both the conversion and operation of freighter aircraft at the site.

Alfor Aviation’s conversion technology offers a distinctive advantage by enabling passenger aircraft to be adapted for cargo use without the need for extensive structural modifications, such as installing large cargo doors. This approach reduces conversion costs and significantly shortens turnaround times.

The new facility is expected to expand Alfor’s production capacity beyond initial projections, meeting rising global demand driven by growth in e-commerce, express freight, and integrated logistics. The project is also anticipated to have broader economic benefits for the North East, supporting local aerospace manufacturers, engineering firms, maintenance providers, and specialist suppliers through strengthened supply chain opportunities.

Omer Mafa, director of Alfor Aviation, highlighted the importance of Teesside Freeport in the decision to locate the operation in the region. The UK’s largest free trade zone offers an internationally competitive environment conducive to long-term growth in advanced aerospace manufacturing.

“This is a transformational moment for Alfor Aviation and a major vote of confidence in both the United Kingdom and Teesside,” Mafa said. He noted that after evaluating multiple European locations, Teesside’s combination of industrial heritage, modern manufacturing vision, and freeport benefits made it the preferred choice for the company’s 50-year commitment in the sector.

The development aims to establish one of the world’s leading aircraft conversion operations at Teesside, contributing to the regional economy and positioning the UK as a key player in the next generation of global air cargo.