Concept images have been unveiled showing the region’s first commercial airline repair, maintenance and overhaul hangar that would create more than 100 highly skilled jobs in the West of England.
The proposed facility at Bristol Airport would provide a range of exciting apprenticeship opportunities, while providing jobs for people in North Somerset in a brand new facility at the airport.
The hangar forms part of the airport’s planning application being considered by North Somerset that seeks to grow the airport from 12 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 15 mppa by the late 2030s. 
Currently all aircraft that are based at Bristol have to fly to other airports for maintenance, repair and overhaul. The bespoke hangar, which would accommodate two aircraft that could be worked on simultaneously, would be equipped with raised platforms, tools and test stands required for routine aircraft overhauls.
It would mean aircraft requiring planned maintenance or repair would be able to remain on-site, reducing unnecessary flights to off-site facilities and creating highly skilled jobs in the local area.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive at Bristol Airport, explained: “The aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar for aircraft forms a really important part of our growth plans for the next decade. Not only will it require very highly skilled workers, building on our region’s existing strong engineering capability, but it will also provide apprenticeship opportunities for future generations of local people.
“We’re extremely passionate and proud to be supporting young people who are stepping into employment for the first time and seeking roles in aviation, as well as creating fantastic mid and senior level job opportunities in a region renowned for its incredible aerospace talents.”
Bristol Airport is the area’s largest private employer, with some 5,800 people employed on-site by over 50 companies including Bristol Airport staff – the vast majority of whom live within the local area. The airport has a proud record of working with local colleges to provide employment, education and training opportunities, and the new facility will create new and exciting engineering and technical roles.
Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College Group, welcomed the airport’s plans, highlighting its strong alignment with the region’s skills and workforce development ambitions adding: “We are delighted to see continued investment in advanced engineering and aviation skills across the West of England. This proposed development closely aligns with our commitment to creating clear, accessible pathways into high-quality apprenticeships, higher technical education, and long-term careers.
“The opportunities created through this investment would strongly complement the work of our Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) in Filton – one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges in England. Together, these initiatives strengthen the regional talent pipeline, enabling learners to progress from education and training into highly skilled careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and aerospace.
“By partnering with Bristol Airport, we can help ensure local people have the skills, experience and opportunities needed to succeed in these high-growth, high-value sectors. We look forward to supporting the next generation of talent and contributing to the continued success of the region’s aerospace and engineering industries.” 
The proposed hangar is a single storey structure with roof skylights and solar panels, ensuring a sustainable footprint. It would also have office space for training and welfare facilities. Construction of the hangar could begin in the late 2020s, if planning permission for 15 million passengers is granted.
A key part of the airport’s future plans is the creation of 48 contact stands, over three times the current number, which avoids the use of buses between the terminal and the aircraft. Customer improvements also include travellators allowing for effortless transit between the departure lounge and gates as well as improvements to enable flights directly to North America, the Caribbean and Middle East, all of which Airport customers have said are extremely important to them.
North Somerset Council are expected to determine the airport’s planning application later this year and over 1,000 people and businesses have already lodged their support with the Council.
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