Over 15,500 aircraft on backlog ensures industry remains buoyant despite year-on-year decrease in aircraft orders
- 15,716 aircraft are on backlog order at the close of January 2024, setting the tone for a busy work year ahead
- With 34 orders placed in January 2024, aircraft orders are 63% behind January 2023
- Return to long-haul travel sees best January order book for wide-body aircraft
15,716 aircraft on backlog order at the end of January 2024 is a 16% increase on January 2023, according to ADS Group. The figures from the UK’s trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors set the tone for a strong work year ahead, with the backlog set to be worth £244bn to the UK.
January 2024 deliveries of new aircraft remain aligned to this time last year, with 58 deliveries made. Single-aisle aircraft continue to dominate the delivery trend accounting for 93% of deliveries made in January 2024. However, in the orders space, it is the return of wide-body aircraft which confirms a trending return of long-haul travel demand with this month representing the best January on record for wide-body aircraft orders.
ADS Outlook: Significant backlog reflects continued strength of our sector, need to combat challenges
Commenting on these announcements, Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS said:
“Following a record-breaking December 2023, January’s order figures, while lower than this time last year, still represent significant workshare for the UK and a slow and steady start to 2024.
“With Singapore Airshow reaching a conclusion in late February, and looking ahead to Farnborough International Airshow in the summer, it is imperative that political stakeholders reinforce their support to our pivotal sector as we continue to combat supply chain challenges.”