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

PIA to restart direct flights between Pakistan and Birmingham Airport
PIA Boeing 777
PIA to restart direct flights between Pakistan and Birmingham Airport
The return of the route follows strong demand from passengers travelling between the Midlands and Pakistan, particularly those visiting family and friends.
Aerospace

5 Nov 2026

Windracers ULTRA achieves first autonomous BVLOS flight in Indiana Drone Corridor
Image: ARI via Windracers
Windracers ULTRA achieves first autonomous BVLOS flight in Indiana Drone Corridor
A Purdue University-owned Windracers ULTRA has completed a landmark 50-mile BVLOS flight in Indiana, opening new possibilities for autonomous heavy-lift aviation operations.
Aerospace

4 Nov 2026

Delta vows to fight Heathrow terminal move that would separate it from Virgin Atlantic
Entrance Terminal 3 LHR
Delta vows to fight Heathrow terminal move that would separate it from Virgin Atlantic
The proposed relocation has sparked opposition from Delta and Virgin Atlantic with concerns that the decision could weaken transatlantic competition.
Aerospace

4 Nov 2026

Babcock to support French Armed Forces’ operational training
L-39
Babcock to support French Armed Forces’ operational training
With its fleet of upgraded L-39 aircraft operating from its Dijon-Bourgogne base, Babcock will provide realistic adversary training and a range of operational training activities to enhance French Armed Forces combat units' operational and tactical readiness.
Defence Member News

5 Nov 2026

SEA and Mind Foundry pair sonar and AI acoustic analysis capabilities
Simon Gould and Paul Jamieson
SEA and Mind Foundry pair sonar and AI acoustic analysis capabilities
A combination of Mind Foundry’s AI-enabled acoustic analysis and SEA's maritime sensing and mission systems looks to improve understanding of underwater activity for operational advantage.
Defence Member News

5 Nov 2026

JOSCAR Live 2026: Defence leaders call for greater SME support to boost UK readiness
Colin Maund, CEO of Hellios, speaking during JOSCAR Live 2026. Image: Hellios
JOSCAR Live 2026: Defence leaders call for greater SME support to boost UK readiness
More than 400 industry representatives gathered to champion SMEs as essential partners in strengthening the UK’s defence supply chain.
Defence

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
View_of_Harwell_campus_in_the_UK_article
UK Space Agency launches In-Orbit Manufacturing research competition
A new competition launched by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) seeks projects that will underpin the research, development and maturation of an In-Orbit Manufacturing process and associated payload.
Events Space

4 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
UK SMEs offered 75% discount on Cyber Essentials certification under new scheme
CyberFirst Advanced at Lancaster University
UK SMEs offered 75% discount on Cyber Essentials certification under new scheme
The UK government has announced a new £2.4m fund which aims to make essential cyber security certification more affordable for British SMEs.
Security

4 Nov 2026

Supermarket cyberattacks expose wider UK security gaps as AI threat grows
Empty supermarket aisle with freezers showcases with different products
Supermarket cyberattacks expose wider UK security gaps as AI threat grows
Attacks on supermarket refrigeration networks have reached the UK supply chain, highlighting how vulnerabilities in operational technology could threaten businesses, public services and critical infrastructure.
Security

4 Nov 2026