Draken Europe looks to create jobs with Teesside International Airport expansion

An aviation defence training firm has unveiled job creation plans in a regional expansion.

Draken Europe hopes to build a new hangar at Teesside International Airport.

Bosses say the move will create as many as 30 jobs and bring the Alca L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ combat jet to the region.

Draken, formerly known as Cobham Aviation Services UK, has operated out of Teesside for a number of years, with its Dassault Falcon training jets a regular sight in the skies.

However, it says the proposed 5000sq ft hangar will support the delivery of further contracts with organisations such as the Ministry of Defence.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Draken has been a long-standing and valued partner of the airport for decades.

“This is yet another vote of confidence in the airport.”

Paul Armstrong, Draken Europe chief executive, added: “We have been trusted by the Government to deliver the world’s most technologically advanced operational readiness training to the RAF and the Royal Navy for many years.

“Our team at Teesside takes very seriously the nationally significant role they have training military personnel from the UK and its strategic allies, providing a range of multi-platform effects using next-generation technologies.

“With the introduction of the L-159E, we’re proud to be bringing an entirely new capability to the UK defence sector and to Teesside – especially at a time when geopolitical events have brought into sharp relief the need for our armed forces personnel to be trained effectively.”