Strong 2022 aircraft delivery figures show recovery accelerating
Global deliveries in 2022 totalled 1,144 aircraft, significantly exceeding the ADS forecast of 997 aircraft made in Q1 2022 based on industry expectations and soaring beyond the symbolic 1,000 aircraft marker for the first time since 2019.
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During 2022, 957 single-aisle aircraft and 187 wide-body aircraft were delivered, a 20% increase on 2021, reflecting a steady growth in recovery as manufacturers deliver production rate ramp ups.
Aircraft orders increased 20% from 2021 with 2,013 new aircraft orders placed, the largest annual order intake since 2017 as demand for newer, cleaner, and fuel-efficient aircraft continues.
The high order number is driven by recovery of single-aisle aircraft demand which accounted for 85 per cent of new orders placed and continues to out-pace the recovery of the wide-body market. Industry confidence was also boosted by the return of Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022 which saw Airbus and Boeing announce deals worth an estimated $4.5 billion to the UK.
The backlog of aircraft totals a strong 13,525 aircraft at year end, remaining above 13,000 aircraft for the thirteenth consecutive month, representing a potential £190 billion in economic value to UK manufacturing in the coming years.
Although the UK aerospace manufacturing sector continues to face challenges including the rising cost of doing business, and supply chain issues, aerospace manufacturing output increased 0.6 per cent in November and remains stable.
ADS Chief Executive, Kevin Craven said: “Global aircraft deliveries exceeding 1,100 aircraft for the first time since 2019 is a huge milestone in the aerospace sector’s long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The final months of 2022 saw a very impressive increase in deliveries, strongly underpinned by our UK manufacturing ability in delivering critical components, such as wings for the A320 family, further demonstrating the UK's excellence as a global centre for aerospace manufacturing.
“2023 is an opportunity for the UK to continue to spearhead the development of revolutionary green aerospace technology, supporting the UK’s global net zero ambitions.
“I hope to see the ongoing recovery continue at pace but am concerned by the impacts of the rising cost of doing business and supply chain challenges on ADS members.”