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
ODU RT

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
ODU RT

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
FIA2026 animated banner
CAAi and ALG to support Belize aviation regulatory reform

Aerospace

CAAi and ALG to support Belize aviation regulatory reform

16 June 2026

CAA International (CAAi) and ALG have been appointed to support the development of the Belize aviation sector.

Anotec introduces SurTec 650 surface treatment

Aerospace Defence

Anotec introduces SurTec 650 surface treatment

15 June 2026

Wolverhampton based surface treatment specialist Anotec, has announced the introduction of SurTec 650, a high-performance process increasingly specified in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Loganair and OpenAirlines partner on increasing fuel efficiency

Aerospace

Loganair and OpenAirlines partner on increasing fuel efficiency

12 June 2026

Loganair has entered into a strategic partnership with OpenAirlines, a global provider of fuel efficiency technology, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation.

Stansted posts record high May passenger numbers

Aerospace

Stansted posts record high May passenger numbers

11 June 2026

A record-breaking half-term holiday week and thousands of football fans heading to three European cup finals helped London Stansted record its busiest ever May as it welcomed 2.86m passengers during the month.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IFS launches IFS Zero

Aerospace Defence

IFS launches IFS Zero

10 June 2026

IFS has launched IFS Zero, an agentic AI Emissions Operating System designed for asset-intensive industries, such as aerospace and defence, where organisations face pressure to improve emissions reporting and supply chain transparency, with Scope 3 compliance now a contractual requirement.

Smith Detection

Aerospace Security

Smith Detection's SDX 10080 SCT receives UK DfT approval

10 June 2026

Smiths Detection announced today that its SDX 10080 SCT has received UK Department for Transport (DfT) approval for deployment across UK airports and cargo operators for hold baggage and air cargo screening.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner