Global aircraft order backlog tops 17,000 for the first time as demand outpaces production

The global commercial aircraft backlog has exceeded 17,000 aircraft for the first time, as airlines order new jets faster than manufacturers can build them, according to the latest data from ADS.

The UK aerospace trade association reported that the combined backlog of Airbus and Boeing reached a record 17,037 aircraft at the end of July 2026.

The milestone comes as manufacturers achieve their strongest January-to-July delivery performance since 2018. Airbus, Boeing and Comac combined delivered 794 commercial aircraft during the first seven months of the year.

Demand for new aircraft remains exceptionally strong. However, manufacturers are still struggling to deliver on time due to supply-chain and production constraints.

ADS estimates the backlog now represents more than 12 years of production at current delivery rates and could be worth as much as £395 billion to the UK aerospace industry.

Aircraft orders surged in July

Airlines and lessors placed 242 commercial aircraft orders during July, according to ADS. That was 537% higher than July 2025, meaning manufacturers booked more than six times as many orders as during the same month last year.

July 2026 orders were 85% higher than in July 2024, when the Farnborough International Airshow generated a significant wave of commercial aircraft deals.

Across the first seven months of 2026, manufacturers recorded 1,573 aircraft orders, 31% more than during the corresponding period of 2025.

Single-aisle jets had the largest share of demand. Manufacturers booked 1,261 single-aisle orders between January and July, up 78% year-on-year.

July alone produced 187 single-aisle orders, a 467% increase compared with July 2025.

Widebody demand also strengthened sharply during the month, with 55 aircraft ordered. That represented a 1,000% year-on-year increase, with a relatively small number of widebody orders recorded in July 2025.

ADS chief executive Kevin Craven said the record orderbook demonstrated the industry’s long-term strength.

“The global commercial aircraft market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and long-term strength,” Craven said. “A record backlog of more than 17,000 aircraft provides a clear signal of sustained demand for new aircraft and represents a significant opportunity for the UK’s world-leading aerospace sector.”

At current delivery rates, ADS calculates it would take more than 12 years to clear the current backlog, before accounting for any new orders placed during that period.

Deliveries reach strongest level since 2018

Airlines are waiting for new aircraft, but there are signs that aircraft production is accelerating.

Airbus, Boeing and Comac delivered 121 commercial aircraft during July. ADS said that matched July 2024 for the highest July delivery total on record.

That brought deliveries for the first seven months of 2026 to 794 aircraft, the industry’s strongest January-to-July performance since 2018.

Planemakers have spent years rebuilding production following the pandemic while dealing with shortages of engines, structures, components and skilled labour.

“While manufacturers continue to face supply chain and industrial challenges, the strongest year-to-date delivery performance since 2018 shows progress is being made,” Craven said.

However, the widening backlog shows production has still not caught up with new demand.

ADS has outlined three scenarios for the remainder of 2026. 

• A modest-growth case forecasts 1,490 deliveries for the full year, around 6% more than in 2025. 
• A medium-growth scenario forecasts 1,560 deliveries, representing growth of just over 10%
• A high-growth scenario reaches 1,630 aircraft, approximately 16% above 2025.

Even the highest of those scenarios would represent less than one-tenth of the existing Airbus and Boeing backlog.

Record backlog could be worth £395bn to UK aerospace

The enormous orderbook also has implications far beyond Airbus and Boeing’s own assembly plants.

The UK has major positions on both manufacturers’ commercial aircraft programmes, particularly in wings, engines and aircraft systems. ADS estimates the current backlog could therefore represent as much as £395 billion in value for UK industry over its lifetime.

“Converting the orderbook into aircraft deliveries will be crucial to realising the full economic benefits for the UK and the wider global aerospace industry,” Craven said.

With orders continuing to run ahead of production, the industry’s problem is not finding customers, but building enough aircraft in time to satisfy them.