General Atomics

Aircraft orders and deliveries rebound

Commercial aircraft orders grew 168% in January 2025 compared to January 2024, significantly exceeding the five-year average of 67, according to ADS.


 
Image 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 71 delivered in January 2025 marking the highest January delivery rate since 2019.  
 
The strong January order rebound signals a return of confidence among airline decision-makers, echoing trends seen in 2022 and 2023. Standing at 15,834 aircraft, the backlog represents up to £258 billion in value for the UK and more than a decade’s worth of work.
 
ADS data also highlights a 22% growth in aircraft deliveries in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Notably, over 90% of January deliveries were single-aisle aircraft, reflecting the ongoing demand for short-haul travel in the market.
 
Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS said: “The figures from January provide an encouraging outlook for 2025. While it’s important we remain cautious, increased delivery rates highlight the industry’s ongoing focus towards ramping up production.
 
“Following a year of challenges – from supply chain issues, labour shortages and a complex regulatory environment – 2025 shows signs of a much-awaited rebound for the sector.”
 
“For continued growth, global policy coordination, along with support from both the business community and governments, will remain crucial.”

Related

Air Arabia launches Gatwick-Sharjah route as airport network grows
The launch of Air Arabia’s new twice-daily service to London Gatwick from Sharjah (SHJ) in the United Arab Emirates
Air Arabia launches Gatwick-Sharjah route as airport network grows
The inaugural flight between the two airports took place on 4 July, a four month delay to the originally slated start date of March 2026 owing to the war in Iran. 
Aerospace

6 Jul 2026

Trescal expands UK and Ireland support for aerospace and defence
Trescal calibration services in the UK
Trescal expands UK and Ireland support for aerospace and defence
Trescal has expanded its laboratory network and technical services across the UK and Ireland, strengthening support for aerospace and defence customers operating in regulated environments.
 EasyJet signals support for £5.5bn Castlelake takeover offer following improved bid 
Easyjet Airbus A320neo
 EasyJet signals support for £5.5bn Castlelake takeover offer following improved bid 
EasyJet has agreed in principle to a £5.5bn takeover by Castlelake after an improved offer, paving the way for a formal bid in August.
Aerospace

6 Jul 2026

IISS report warns Russian-linked drones may be surveying British airbases
British Army drones and the defence investment plan
IISS report warns Russian-linked drones may be surveying British airbases
An IISS report has linked drone sightings over British military bases to Russia’s wider unconventional campaign in Europe, but critics say the evidence falls short of proof.
Defence

7 Jul 2026

Russian Tu-142 ‘Bear-F’ drops sonobuoys near Royal Navy’s HMS Price of Wales
Russian Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft and British F-35B
Russian Tu-142 ‘Bear-F’ drops sonobuoys near Royal Navy’s HMS Price of Wales
Why a Russian Tu-142 as harried a British aircraft carrier operating in the Norwegian Sea and how this is part of a much larger and long-running saga.
Defence

7 Jul 2026

Trescal expands UK and Ireland support for aerospace and defence
Trescal calibration services in the UK
Trescal expands UK and Ireland support for aerospace and defence
Trescal has expanded its laboratory network and technical services across the UK and Ireland, strengthening support for aerospace and defence customers operating in regulated environments.
Airbus UK to build Aeolus-2 weather satellite for Europe’s next forecasting leap
Aeolus 2 by Airbus UK
Airbus UK to build Aeolus-2 weather satellite for Europe’s next forecasting leap
Airbus Defence and Space UK has been authorised to begin building Aeolus-2, a next-generation ESA and EUMETSAT weather satellite designed to deliver global wind measurements for more accurate forecasting, aviation operations and climate monitoring.
Space

6 Jul 2026

BAE Systems’ Endura demos radiation-hardened capability for space missions
BAE Systems’ Endura demos radiation-hardened capability for space missions
BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated the ability of its Endura system-on-chip (Soc) space processor…
Space

29 Jun 2026

BAE Systems to build high-res imagery satellites for Vantor
BAE Systems to build high-res imagery satellites for Vantor
BAE Systems has entered into an agreement to build high-resolution imaging satellite buses for Vantor, a provider of unified spatial intelligence from space to ground.
Space

25 Jun 2026

Police leadership overhaul puts UK security capability under the spotlight
College of Policing image showing officers on the beat
Police leadership overhaul puts UK security capability under the spotlight
A major review of police leadership in England and Wales has warned that future UK security capability will depend on stronger leadership, skills and workforce planning as public safety organisations respond to more complex threats.
Security

7 Jul 2026

Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection has completed its transition from Smiths Group to CVC Capital Partners (CVC), a private markets investment firm.
Aerospace Security

1 Jul 2026

Serbus acquires Westica
Serbus acquires Westica
Serbus acquires Westica
Provider of secure Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) networking and communication solutions, Serbus, has acquired Westica Communications Limited (Westica), for an undisclosed sum.
Defence Security

30 Jun 2026