General Atomics

ADS sees signs of a stabilising aircraft market

Commercial aircraft orders grew by almost two thirds in February 2025 compared to February 2024 according to ADS, with 27 narrowbody aircraft ordered in February 2025, even though no wide body aircraft orders were placed.


 
Image by Ricardo / copyright Shutterstock

The latest commercial aircraft data from the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space trade association further highlights a sustained growth in aircraft deliveries, with 86 delivered in February 2025. The ADS dataset highlights 13% year-on-year growth in aircraft deliveries and the highest for the month since 2019.

ADS data reflects a stabilising market and a steadying backlog of 15,767 aircraft orders. While this still accounts for £255 billion and around 14 years’ worth of work, this marks a slow departure from the record backlog figures seen in recent years.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS commented on the figures: “February 2025 data is promising. Both orders and deliveries are showing steady albeit gradual improvement, indicating that market pressures – including workforce issues and regulatory hurdles – are gradually easing, as the deliveries of aircraft come through.

While the stabilising backlog will reassure investors, the absence of widebody orders this month could be a concern for UK manufacturers, given their exposure to the widebody market. This trend, if it continues, will need to be closely watched alongside growing demand for single-aisle aircraft.”

Related

GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
This digital rendering shows both GA-ASI's uncrewed MQ-9B and Gambit 6 platforms launching a swarm of MBDA-built SPEAR missiles during a mission. Image: GA-ASI
GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
General Atomics and MBDA have teamed up to integrate the SPEAR missile family onto uncrewed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Gambit 6 aircraft as part of a new agreement.
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet Airbus A320neo taking off
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet’s board has backed Apollo’s £7.15-a-share proposal after Castlelake stepped aside, but shareholder, regulatory and court approvals are still required.
Aerospace Most Read

6 Aug 2026

Women in Aviation sets sights on expansion in UK and beyond
women in manufacturing apprenticeship
Women in Aviation sets sights on expansion in UK and beyond
Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International, shares her mission to create a global network where women can progress their aviation careers.
Aerospace Insights

6 Aug 2026

NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
UK Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons tax on the runway of Borcea Air Base in Romania. The UK Royal Air Force has concluded its NATO enhanced Air Policing deployment (eAP) safeguarding NATO airspace on the Alliance's south-eastern flank.
NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
The completion of the RAF’s latest deployment to Romania marks more than another fighter rotation, as NATO integrates traditional air policing into a broader defensive network built to counter missiles, drones and increasingly complex threats.
GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
This digital rendering shows both GA-ASI's uncrewed MQ-9B and Gambit 6 platforms launching a swarm of MBDA-built SPEAR missiles during a mission. Image: GA-ASI
GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
General Atomics and MBDA have teamed up to integrate the SPEAR missile family onto uncrewed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Gambit 6 aircraft as part of a new agreement.
UK government launches £350,000 funding competition for security technology innovators
British Army drones and the defence investment plan
UK government launches £350,000 funding competition for security technology innovators
The UK Government has launched a funding competition offering up to £350,000 for innovative security technologies tackling challenges from vehicle screen to border security.
MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
MDA Space secures contract for ESA Argonaut mission
MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
Advanced 3D sensors from MDA Space UK are set to help the European Space Agency's Argonaut spacecraft land safely on the Moon.
Member News Space

6 Aug 2026

SSTL racks up smart storage solution
SSTL racks up smart storage solution
A smart racking solution from Altus has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) integrate its materials management processes.
Member News Space

5 Aug 2026

Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
The investments have been made in businesses involved in key areas that are driving the next phase of growth within the space sector.
Member News Space

4 Aug 2026

New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
New Scotland Yard sign
New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
The Metropolitan Police have introduced new technology to help officers identify, arrest and prosecute more shoplifters.
Security

6 Aug 2026

NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
UK Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons tax on the runway of Borcea Air Base in Romania. The UK Royal Air Force has concluded its NATO enhanced Air Policing deployment (eAP) safeguarding NATO airspace on the Alliance's south-eastern flank.
NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
The completion of the RAF’s latest deployment to Romania marks more than another fighter rotation, as NATO integrates traditional air policing into a broader defensive network built to counter missiles, drones and increasingly complex threats.
UK government launches £350,000 funding competition for security technology innovators
British Army drones and the defence investment plan
UK government launches £350,000 funding competition for security technology innovators
The UK Government has launched a funding competition offering up to £350,000 for innovative security technologies tackling challenges from vehicle screen to border security.