Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Aircraft orders and deliveries remain buoyant

Aerospace

Aircraft orders and deliveries remain buoyant

Following a record-breaking first half of 2023, the UK’s aerospace sector remains in good health.

Image copyright Shutterstock

A new report from ADS - the trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space organisations - highlights 112 aircraft orders placed in July.

The latest report highlights the delivery of 691 aircraft in 2023 to date, with 109 aircraft of those delivered in the month of July. This marks the best July since 2018, as the aerospace sector continues its post-pandemic recovery.

Advertisement
Leonardo

Year to date, 1,179 aircraft orders have been placed, with 112 orders placed in July – a healthy order number following the record-breaking orders made at Paris Airshow in June. So far in 2023, there have been 136 cancellations of aircraft, 68% down compared to 2022 (as a full year) and is an indication of decision makers holding firm on the choices of aircraft previously made.

The backlog of aircraft orders continues to be above pre-pandemic levels and compared to July 2022, grew seven per cent to 14,462 aircraft. At current production rates, the aircraft order backlog represents more than seven years’ worth of work and a value of £219 billion to the UK.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS said: “With the aircraft order backlog remaining above pre-pandemic levels and continuing to grow, the long aircraft lead times from order to delivery means decision makers can take charge to enhance innovation.  

“The backlog will enable future aircraft to become more efficient and sustainable, with UK industry having a unique opportunity to identify, accelerate and develop more efficient and sustainable aircraft technologies.”

ADS Group is the UK trade organisation for aerospace, defence, security and space organisations, with more than 1,200 member businesses.
 

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle

 

 

Advertisement
Nokia leaderboard
Air Niugini takes delivery of its first Airbus A220

Aerospace

Air Niugini takes delivery of its first Airbus A220

12 September 2025

Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has taken delivery of its first A220-300 aircraft, on lease from Azorra.

Heathrow hits historic high in August

Aerospace

Heathrow hits historic high in August

11 September 2025

Heathrow made history in August, surpassing eight million passengers in a single month for the first time.

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS reveals 2024 value of aerospace, defence, security and space to Scotland

11 September 2025

The aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.7 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2024, according to new data from ADS, equating to a 55% increase between 2020 and 2024.

LEMO launches rugged OPTIMA D Series connectors

Aerospace Defence

LEMO launches rugged OPTIMA D Series connectors

10 September 2025

Worthing based LEMO has introduced the OPTIMA D Series, a compact and rugged connector platform engineered for performance in demanding environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IFA invests in Sheffield site

Aerospace Defence

IFA invests in Sheffield site

9 September 2025

Independent Forging and Alloys (IFA) has today announced plans for a major investment in expanding their manufacturing capability at its production site in Sheffield, UK.

ATC performance stays on track as summer comes to an end

Aerospace

ATC performance stays on track as summer comes to an end

9 September 2025

UK air traffic in August increased by 2.4% on the same month last year as NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, safely handled 246,442 flights.

Advertisement
ODU RT