Tintin From Teesside: Cartoon Star Rolls Out Of Teesside Thanks To Airbourne Colours

An international cartoon megastar has jetted off from Teesside Airport for the first time with the help of a world-leading aircraft painting company.

The Airbourne Colours team has painted an Airbus A320-200 for Brussels Airlines – with the aircraft unveiled this week featuring Belgian favourite Tintin.

Taking 14 days to complete, it’s the sixth “special livery” job Airbourne Colours has completed for Brussels Airlines – and its first from Teesside.

Employees supported through the Airbourne Colours Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme – backed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority – worked on the aircraft.

The new design was developed from a close collaboration between Brussels Airlines and Tintinimaginatio, and sees the aircraft feature Tintin and the Moon on one side, with Snowy and Captain Haddock on the other.

The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight was scheduled for Friday (February 13) to Milan, which is hosting the ongoing Winter Olympics.

Airbourne Colours Chief Executive Steven Darbyshire said: “We have built a strong and trusted relationship with Brussels Airlines over the years, and we are extremely proud to have delivered another bold and eye-catching special livery for the airline.

“It’s fantastic to see our Teesside team rising to the challenge on a project of this scale and profile. It shows the skill, precision and passion we have here, and we look forward to continuing with our partnership with Brussels Airlines on future projects.”

Airbourne Colours paints aircraft from a huge range of airlines and operators across the globe.

After establishing its first site at Teesside in 2024, the company expanded its operations at the airport late last year, opening a second 27,000sq ft facility and creating more jobs.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “This is another fantastic example of the work Airbourne Colours do.

“To see such a striking aircraft painted here underlines the capability and expertise we host.

“The company has made a big commitment to Teesside Airport and this is another great example of the kind of high quality, global work now happening here day in, day out.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “To see Airbourne Colours and their trainees work on this aircraft at Teesside is another feather in the cap for both the firm and our brilliant airport.

“Airbourne Colours has been a great addition to Teesside – creating jobs, training new staff and welcoming aircraft from around the world.

“We’re looking forward to the firm having even more names from across Europe and worldwide landing and flying off from Teesside.”

Image: © Brussels Airlines / Hergé / Tintinimaginatio 2026