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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
UK-first achieved in advanced materials

Aerospace Defence Space

UK-first achieved in advanced materials

11 March 2026

The UK has established its first sovereign manufacturing capability for ultrahigh temperature materials - vital for space, hypersonic and propulsion systems.

Smith Myers and HAT.tec integrate ARTEMIS with SCALE

Aerospace Security

Smith Myers and HAT.tec integrate ARTEMIS with SCALE

11 March 2026

Smith Myers Communications and HAT.tec have announced the integration of the ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location System (MPDLS) with the HAT.tec mission management system SCALE across the helicopter fleet of a major European law enforcement agency.

BBGA hosts annual conference and AGM at 50

Aerospace

BBGA hosts annual conference and AGM at 50

11 March 2026

The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) will host its annual conference and AGM on 12th March in London, 50 years on from the formation of its antecedent, the General Aviation Manufacturers’ and Traders’ Association (GAMTA).

HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

Aerospace Defence Events

HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

10 March 2026

HRH The Princess Royal visited Rotherham based MTL Advanced (part of WEC Group) on Friday 20th February to meet apprentices, engineers and senior leadership, gaining an insight into the company’s continued investment in skills development, innovation and regional growth and learning about its new Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC).

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair

Aerospace

BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair

10 March 2026

Under renewed agreements, Baltic Ground Services (BGS) has extended its cooperation with Ryanair, to continue providing aircraft fuelling services for the airline at several airports across Northern and Central Europe.

IFS completes acquisition of Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security Space

IFS completes acquisition of Softeon

10 March 2026

IFS today announced the completion of its acquisition of Softeon, providing enterprises across manufacturing, logistics and retail, with access to a new category of supply chain technology.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner