ADS has reported that commercial aircraft orders and deliveries have surged during May 2026, with aircraft deliveries seeing a 45% increase compared to May 2025.
ADS, the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries, finds that a total of 142 aircraft deliveries were made during the month, marking the highest May aircraft delivery figure on record.
ADS also finds that 406 aircraft orders were placed during the month, over 100 more aircraft than the previous year and representing a 34% year-on-year increase. The sharp increase was driven in part by the growing demand for single-aisle aircraft which saw a 160% increase compared to the previous May.
A total of 1,139 aircraft orders have now been placed in 2026, 35% higher than the previous year and the highest January to May figure to date.
The current aircraft backlog now stands at an all-time high of 16,909, representing approximately 12 years’ worth of work for the UK’s aerospace sector at current production rates.
Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS commented: “Despite the challenging geopolitical and economic climate, the global aerospace sector has maintained a resilient growth trajectory across both orders and deliveries. Demand for the sector remains strong while the industry works through ongoing supply chain challenges.
“If the industry is to continue building on this progress, global policy coordination, alongside continued support from governments and the business community, will remain crucial.”
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