Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Aircraft manufacturer productivity peaks

The number of commercial aircraft delivered in August 2024 was higher than in any August since 2018 according to ADS, despite lagging orders.

Image copyright Shutterstock
 
ADS figures highlight the fourth consecutive August of improved aircraft deliveries, with 90 aircraft delivered. Despite a 3% growth in August aircraft deliveries, challenges in the supply chain mean that 2024 delivery rates are lagging 9% behind 2023 figures.  

Aircraft orders placed in 2024 to date are two thirds behind 2023 figures. ADS figures highlight that the 68 aircraft ordered in August 2024 is 58% lower than the same month in 2023. Year-to-date, 682 aircraft have been ordered, 65% less than at the same point in 2023.  

Advertisement
Teledyne

The number of aircraft currently on backlog order is 8% higher than it was 12 months ago at 15,651. ADS estimates that production of these aircraft is worth £244 billion to the UK and represents over a decade’s worth of work.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS Group commented: “The aerospace sector’s continuing rate ramp up is reflected in this month’s increased aircraft deliveries. Despite this success, the industrial capacity of the sector continues to be limited by challenges in the supply chain and regulatory uncertainty.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

“We now need to see the UK Government deliver on its promise for a comprehensive industrial strategy, formed in partnership with a range of stakeholders that includes industry, to ensure the aerospace sector’s full potential can be realised.”

ADS recently released its 2024 Aerospace Sector Outlook, showcasing the sector’s value add of £10.9 billion to the UK economy, an increase of 16% compared to 2013 figures. The figures highlight 104,000 direct jobs in the aerospace sector, with a median salary of £48.7k – 39% higher than UK average, with the vast majority (88 percent) located outside of London and the Southeast.

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Aerospace

Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

10 July 2025

Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1st January 2026.

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

Aerospace

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

10 July 2025

One of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell Aviation, along with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced today that Avelia is in the process of evolving into an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multisupplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

Aerospace

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

9 July 2025

Heathrow is harnessing advanced technology to make aircraft ground operations faster, smarter and more seamless across 116 gates at Terminals Two, Three and Five, as part of a strategic collaboration with IAG and Assaia.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT