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

Altus invests in 363 m² HQ expansion
Altus HQ
Altus invests in 363 m² HQ expansion
The electronics manufacturing equipment distributor has ramped up its turnkey manufacturing capability with a major headquarters expansion.
UK launches £750,000 fund to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals
Heathrow Airport
UK launches £750,000 fund to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals
The UK government has opened applications for a new £750,000 Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
Aerospace

30 Jul 2026

Why drones have become a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Ministry of defence drone
Why drones have become a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Latest Dedrone report reveals why drone incidents are a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Aerospace Security

29 Jul 2026

Inzpire wins MQ-9B RPAS training contract with NATO
54 Sqdn
Inzpire wins MQ-9B RPAS training contract with NATO
Inzpire becomes the first UK defence company to instruct on the MQ-9B remotely piloted air system (RPAS).
Defence Member News

30 Jul 2026

Altus invests in 363 m² HQ expansion
Altus HQ
Altus invests in 363 m² HQ expansion
The electronics manufacturing equipment distributor has ramped up its turnkey manufacturing capability with a major headquarters expansion.
BAE Systems upgrades 2026 guidance after strong first-half performance
BAE Systems upgrades 2026 guidance after strong first-half performance
BAE Systems upgrades its 2026 outlook after reporting strong first-half growth, record £84 billion order backlog and rising demand.
Defence

30 Jul 2026

ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
Hydra on Defender
ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
ALL.SPACE has released Hydra MAX, designed to unlock next-generation wideband Ka networks with multi-orbit connectivity.
Defence Space

28 Jul 2026

Wiltshire schoolchildren take second place in international rocketry final
Abbeyfield School 2nd Place
Wiltshire schoolchildren take second place in international rocketry final
Schoolchildren from Chippenham achieved second place at the International Youth Rocketry Challenge during the Farnborough International Airshow.
Aerospace Defence Events Security ...

27 Jul 2026

Aerospace industry unites for UK recruitment campaign to tackle skills shortages
There's aerospace for you video still
Aerospace industry unites for UK recruitment campaign to tackle skills shortages
Trade body ADS launches 'There's Aerospace For You' recruitment campaign - backed by Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and Safran - to help tackle the skills shortages that threaten future growth.
Why drones have become a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Ministry of defence drone
Why drones have become a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Latest Dedrone report reveals why drone incidents are a mainstream security challenge for airports across the UK
Aerospace Security

29 Jul 2026

UK and partners warn of zero-click phishing campaign targeting Western organisations
NCSC warns of Laundry Bear phishing
UK and partners warn of zero-click phishing campaign targeting Western organisations
The UK and partners have exposed a new ‘zero-click’ phishing campaign, warning that Russian state-supported actors are using it to target Western organisations.
Security

28 Jul 2026

Heathrow introduces a real-time geospatial platform
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow introduces a real-time geospatial platform
Heathrow's introduction of new Esri mapping technology will modernises workflows for 3,000 staff.