Half-year aircraft deliveries hit an 8-year high as Farnborough opens with record backlog

Commercial aircraft deliveries reached their strongest first-half performance in eight years during the first six months of 2026. Manufacturers also secured a record number of single-aisle orders, according to new data released by UK aerospace trade association ADS on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow. 

ADS figures show that Airbus, Boeing and COMAC combined delivered 673 commercial aircraft between January and June 2026—up 13% from the 596 aircraft delivered during the same period last year. 

This marks the highest January-to-June delivery total since 2018, suggesting that manufacturers are gradually overcoming production and supply chain constraints that have limited output in recent years. 

Airlines placed 1,331 new aircraft orders during the first half of the year—a 15% increase over the first six months of 2025. 

The combined Airbus and Boeing order backlog climbed to a record 16,925 aircraft.

Aircraft deliveries continue to recover

The increase in deliveries suggests that both major aircraft manufacturers are normalising production following years of disruption caused by the pandemic, supply chain shortages and certification delays.

According to ADS, single-aisle aircraft accounted for the majority of deliveries so far this year, with 566 narrowbody jets handed over during the first half of 2026—up 15% year-on-year. 

Widebody deliveries were relatively unchanged at 107 aircraft, with a slower production ramp-up for larger twin-aisle programmes. 

June was particularly strong. Manufacturers delivered 155 aircraft—25% more than in June 2025. 

Single-aisle demand drives new orders

The strongest growth came on the order side, particularly for single-aisle aircraft.

ADS recorded 1,074 narrowbody orders during the first six months of the year, a record for the period and 59% higher than a year earlier. Those aircraft accounted for 81% of all commercial aircraft orders placed during the period, compared with 58% in the first half of 2025. 

Widebody demand has cooled compared to 2025. Airlines ordered 257 twin-aisle aircraft during the first half of 2026—down 47% year-on-year. 

Total aircraft orders still increased because of exceptionally strong narrowbody demand. 

ADS data covers commercial aircraft produced by Airbus, Boeing and COMAC, although the backlog figures include only Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Eight COMAC aircraft deliveries were recorded during the first half of the year. 

Record backlog stretches to around 12 years

The combined Airbus and Boeing backlog reached 16,925 aircraft by the end of June, a 4% increase from the same point last year and the highest mid-year backlog on record.

ADS estimates that the backlog represents approximately 12 years of production at current manufacturing rates and could be worth between £341 billion and £393 billion to the UK economy through participation in the aerospace supply chain. June also marked the fourth consecutive monthly increase in the backlog. 

The industry recorded 102 aircraft cancellations during the first half of 2026, the majority involving single-aisle aircraft, with only 17 widebody cancellations. 

Industry looks to Farnborough for further momentum

The figures were published as the aerospace industry prepares for what ADS expects will be the largest Farnborough International Airshow on record, traditionally one of the busiest weeks for aircraft order announcements.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS, said the sector was entering the show from a position of strength.

“As the industry prepares for what is set to be the largest Farnborough International Airshow on record, global aircraft orders and deliveries have continued to gather momentum throughout the first half of the year,” she said. “With deliveries at their strongest level since 2018, the sector is entering the Airshow from a position of real strength, and we look forward to seeing further commercial activity over the week ahead.”

Stone added that sustaining the recovery would require greater policy certainty for manufacturers and suppliers. She pointed to the UK’s Steel Trade Measures introduced on 1 July 2026 as one area where industry is seeking clarity, to help “UK aerospace businesses invest with confidence and ramp up production.”