Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • ADS sees healthy UK aerospace sector in first half of 2024

Aerospace

ADS sees healthy UK aerospace sector in first half of 2024

The latest figures from ADS, trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, has found commercial aircraft orders fell 71% in the first half of 2024 compared with the first half of 2023, while deliveries fell by 14% in the same period.

Image copyright Shutterstock

Other than 2023, aircraft orders in the first half of 2024 remain at their highest level since 2018.

The latest order figures were released ahead of the start of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) today, the aerospace sector’s flagship event which looks set to feature several key order announcements.   

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The 14% fall in delivery rates is a reflection of supply-chain, regulatory and capacity challenges facing the sector.

Aircraft order backlog worth £247 billion to UK economy over 10 years, as sector delivers nearly £11 billion in value add

The 15,668 global aircraft order backlog is worth up to £247 billion for the UK economy and is 8.3% higher than the same point in 2023, reflecting general sector confidence.

ADS’ Aerospace Sector Outlook showcases the £10.9 billion of economic contribution of UK aerospace in 2023, a figure that has increased 16% since 2013.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Productivity within the aerospace sector has risen 25% since 2013, with the sector’s c104,000 jobs providing an average of £104,800 output per worker. Eighty-eight per cent of those jobs are located outside of London and the South East and the median average salary of aerospace sector jobs is 39% higher than UK average at £48,700.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS said: “Despite notable challenges, the UK aerospace sector is thriving only a few short years since a pandemic that grounded almost all areas of the civil aerospace sector.

“Twenty-twenty three was a record-breaking year for aircraft orders and deliveries and the first half of 2024 has only fallen slightly behind 2023 delivery rates. The data for the sector in the last decade shows long-term resilience within the UK aerospace industry, as well as increasing productivity levels in this dynamic, innovative sector.

“Intelligent support from Government to tackle issues in the supply chain, cash flow and capacity constraints has the potential to turbo-charge more long-term growth in this sector, providing significant benefits to the economy for the future.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
NATS signs strategic partnership with Bristol Airport

Aerospace

NATS signs strategic partnership with Bristol Airport

25 April 2025

NATS has signed a strategic partnership with Bristol Airport that will see it provide air traffic services at the Airport until at least 2036.

Heathrow targets Black Country manufacturers

Aerospace

Heathrow targets Black Country manufacturers

25 April 2025

Black Country manufacturers are being encouraged to tap into the capacity of Heathrow Airport in a bid to boost global opportunities.

Saudia Group orders 10 Airbus A330-900s for flyadeal

Aerospace

Saudia Group orders 10 Airbus A330-900s for flyadeal

25 April 2025

Saudia Group has disclosed an order with Airbus for 10 A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal.

AtkinsRéalis appointed as UK

Aerospace

AtkinsRéalis appointed as UK's first approved drone assessor

24 April 2025

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as its first approved assessor of commercial drones, putting the company at the forefront of safely enabling the expansion of drone services throughout the UK.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

Aerospace Defence

ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

24 April 2025

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has reported that in Q1 of 2025 the UK connector market showed strong performance, with sales up 11% up over Q4 2024 and up 7% on Q1 2024.

Heathrow Airport extends partnership with Safe365

Aerospace Security

Heathrow Airport extends partnership with Safe365

23 April 2025

Heathrow Airport has renewed its commitment to workplace and passenger safety by extending its partnership with Safe365 - a New Zealand-based safety technology company - for a further three years, which was witnessed in a ceremony attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025