Norwich Airport
Norwich Airport sings agreement to construct new hangar and workshop for KLM UK Engineering. Credit: Norwich Airport.

Norwich Airport has reached an agreement to set up a new hangar and workshop facility for KLM UK Engineering to undertake aircraft maintenance.

The airport will spend approximately £7m to build the hangar and workshop.

Rigby Group’s property division Rigby Real Estate will manage the construction of the hangar and workshop on the site.

The hangar will span over 54,000ft² while the workshop will occupy 15,500ft².

Both facilities are scheduled to become operational next August and aim to boost KLM UK Engineering’s capacity for aircraft maintenance and repair services.

KLM UK Engineering currently offers aircraft engineering apprenticeships and training via its college International Aviation Academy Norwich.

Norwich Airport managing director Richard Pace said: “KLM UK Engineering is a major employer in Norwich with hundreds of skilled staff. This deal underlines its long-term commitment to the region and is another significant milestone in the airport’s strategy of creating a global aviation centre of excellence.”

KLM UK Engineering managing director Peter van der Horst said: “This will enable us to provide a more efficient service to our customers, allow us to maintain the larger next-generation aircraft and provide extra capacity with a sixth bay. Our team in Norwich are excited with this development and look forward to revealing the new hangar in 2020.”

KLM UK Engineering currently operates five fully equipped heavy maintenance bays across three hangars at the airport.

After the new hangar’s construction, KLM UK Engineering will vacate the existing hangar, which will become occupied by Satys Air Livery UK.

Satys Group’s aftermarket and VIP painting division will then be able to combine its head office in Norwich.

With four hangars, Norwich Airport will become the largest centre in Europe for repainting narrow-body aircraft.

Satys Air Livery UK managing director Thierry Melet said: “We are looking forward to consolidating our position in Norwich. The additional hangar will provide both additional capacity for growth and potential synergies to satisfy our current customers in a very competitive market.”