Leaders behind a firm which plans to build a major new aircraft conversion campus at Teesside International Airport have visited the region after signing a landmark agreement.

Alfor Aviation will create 250 permanent high-skilled jobs at the new facility after a 50-year agreement was secured during the recent Farnborough International Airshow.

The £50million investment will see Alfor develop a purpose-built aircraft conversion facility with new hangars, engineering workshops and warehousing.

Mahmut Metin Eren, Hazal Avci, Yildirim Beyazit Kilincarslan and Omer Mafa, from Alfor Aviation, had a fresh tour of the site with Teesside Airport leaders, before key talks on progressing with plans for the campus.

Once fully operational, its facility will be capable of converting up to 24 passenger aircraft into freighters each year.

This is forecast to start operations by the end of 2027.

Alfor is also primed to relocate its global headquarters to Teesside, reinforcing the airport’s position as one of the fastest growing centres for the UK aviation industry.

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Mafa and Alfor leaders to Teesside to progress with their landmark vision.

“Once again, this agreement is a big endorsement of our plan to grow our airport.

“We’ve had huge projects and backing to the Airport Business Park in recent years through Willis Aviation, our FedEx cargo agreement, Airbourne Colours and Draken expanding their presence at Teesside.

“We’re proud to welcome Alfor Aviation for another landmark investment and its unique technology will help bolster our air freight ambitions.

“When this campus is complete, our airport will be home to global companies carrying our aircraft repair, maintenance, overhaul, painting and conversion.

“Our land availability, Freeport status, excellent connectivity to road, rail and sea links – and our skilled workforce – is all helping to create opportunities to make us a one-stop-shop for operators."

The new conversion centre at Teesside will significantly expand Alfor’s production capability beyond its original plans, enabling the company to support growing global demand for passenger-to-freighter conversions driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce, express freight and integrated logistics networks.

Omer Mafa, Director of Alfor Aviation, said: “We examined numerous locations across Europe for our long-term home, but nowhere matched Teesside’s offer.

“It has been a pleasure to spend time here, meet the people driving its growth, and see first-hand the significant progress being made towards delivering the airport’s ambitious long-term vision.

“A key factor in our decision was Teesside Freeport. As the UK’s largest free trade zone, it provides exactly the kind of internationally competitive environment innovative aerospace businesses need.

“By relocating our headquarters here, and investing for the next 50 years, we are making a clear statement about our confidence in both the future of Teesside and British aerospace manufacturing.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This investment is another clear example of how Teesside Airport brings growth in our region – attracting global businesses and creating well-paid careers for local people.

“When I brought our airport back into public ownership, I made a commitment to use it as a catalyst for jobs, investment and long-term prosperity.

“The strategy is delivering results. with major international companies choosing Teesside and helping us build a stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come.”