Durham Tees Valley has boosted its partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club with a new sponsorship deal which will see the airport promoted every time the team is on the pitch..

Henceforth the airport logo and name will appear on the back of the Boro shirts and Durham Tees Valley Chief Executive, Steve Gill, says it demonstrates the important role which both airport and club play at the heart of the local community.

Gill said: "We have had a close relationship with the Boro for many years, for example with travel to away fixtures, supporting other teams arriving for games at the Riverside, and personal travel for players.

"Earlier this year we agreed a partnership to promote to fans and families the airport’s connections across the world and now we are further strengthening our links with the club through the shirt sponsorship which will significantly enhance the airport profile.

"It comes at a significant time for the airport. Earlier this week we announced the arrival of a new airline to Durham Tees Valley Airport, Loganair, which will be operating flights to Aberdeen and Norwich from October with the prospect of further developments in the months ahead and we will shortly be completing a significant investment in enhancing terminal facilities, including extensive remodelling of the departure lounge, free unlimited wi-fi, and improved retail services under a new Xpress brand".

Lee Fryett, Head of Partnerships, added: "We are delighted to announce that Durham Tees Valley Airport will now become the club's exclusive Official Airport Partner. The agreement will see the DTVA logo feature on the back of the first team's home shirts for the 2017/18 season.

"After working with Durham Tees Valley Airport for the second half of last season we have struck up a close working relationship with them and are thrilled to be able to support the promotion of our local airport, in particular the new routes and global connectivity it offers".

Alongside the new domestic routes launched, Durham Tees Valley Airport offers global connectivity through its 3x daily KLM service to Amsterdam allowing travel onwards within Europe and long haul destinations.