Aerospace industry production levels increase for fifth record year
In total, 1,397 aircraft came off the production line in 2015, an increase in value to UK industry of around £3bn from the previous year.
Commercial aircraft production levels have grown by nearly 50% since 2009, with a new aircraft ordered on average every four hours and delivered every 6.5 hours globally in 2015.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid (right) said: “The UK aerospace industry is a soaring success and the government recognises the importance of this vital sector. Aircraft deliveries have increased for a fifth successive year and are now worth up to £23 billion to the economy.
“By committing an extra £900 million in aerospace R&D up to 2026 we’re giving the aero industry the chance to reach new heights. We will continue to work closely with our industry partners to maintain our position as a global leader and to help develop the highly skilled jobs we need for a 21st Century economy.”
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive at ADS Group commented: “Today’s figures demonstrate that the UK’s aerospace industry is a national success story making a significant contribution to growth and prosperity; £23bn is a huge sum at a time when many other sectors are under pressure. The record rise in delivery rates reflects growing global demand and the benefit of long term investment in skills, technology and productivity.
“Continuing to grow our share of the global marketplace in the face of fierce competition is an on-going challenge; however support from government through its commitment to industrial approaches is creating the right climate for industry to succeed, promoting the UK supply chain and attracting inward investment.”
Over the past six years, orders for new aircraft have seen the backlog nearly double, it is currently worth up to £108bn to the UK’s aerospace industry. Delivery rates are expected to increase in 2016 as manufacturers raise production in order to work through the record backlog.
