Aircraft deliveries remain strong as UK industry looks to secure future competitiveness
- 2018 is the best year for deliveries to date, with a total of 1221 aircraft delivered by the end of October, 18 above this time last year.
- Value of aircraft deliveries to date worth up to £23 billion for the UK so far this year.
- Industry confident of setting new annual record in next two months.
There were 1221 total aircraft delivered by the end of October 2018, making it the best year for deliveries to date, worth up to £23 billion to the UK. October itself saw record deliveries of 138 aircraft, four more than last year.
Single-aisle aircraft deliveries are boosting overall numbers with both strong demand – 77 single-aisle aircraft ordered in October – and production – 112 single-aisle aircraft delivered. The backlog for aircraft remains high at 14,124 by the end of October, worth a potential £217 billion to the UK in the coming years.
2018 is also the best year to date for engine deliveries, with 2,466 delivered so far but increased production levels have still struggled to meet demand contributing to the second highest ever backlog of 26,212, just behind July’s record of 26,224.
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said:
“The UK aerospace industry continues to benefit from record levels of new aircraft and engine production.
“Demand for modern, fuel efficient aircraft remains strong and the global industry is on track for all time high production rates. It is important for aerospace businesses in UK and mainland Europe that the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and a transition period are confirmed, so companies can prepare for the new trading relationship.
“The Government’s commitment to a modern industrial strategy is delivering real benefits for the aerospace industry. This week marks a year since the Industrial Strategy White Paper was published. The active support to industry through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, productivity programmes and grand challenges is helping to secure global competitiveness.”