Aircraft deliveries see strongest half-year figures since 2019
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The data - compiled by the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries, ADS - reports a 141% increase in aircraft orders during the first half of the year, reaching 1,162. This was driven in part by the strong demand following the Paris Air Show in June which saw 319 aircraft orders made over the month.
The figures also show that the industry’s backlog of aircraft orders has reached a new record high, standing at 16,249 aircraft at the end of June – 4% higher than the first half of 2024. This backlog is estimated to be worth up to £255 billion to the UK economy and 15 years’ worth of work at current production rates, underscoring the long-term value of the UK’s aerospace sector.
Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS, said: “The first half of 2025 paints a positive picture for global aircraft orders and deliveries, demonstrating the sector’s resilience amid ongoing economic and market volatility – including continued uncertainty from the rollout of US tariffs.
"However, part of this early momentum may be attributed to inventory-driven deliveries, and there is a possible risk that these may not carry through to the rest of the year. To sustain growth and meet the record backlog demand, the industry urgently needs clarity on tariffs and the implementation of the Industrial Strategy to best support UK supply chains and confidently ramp up production.”
