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

Why technical expertise alone will not win aerospace business
Scott Pendry, ADS Head of Aerospace Business Development and International Trade
Why technical expertise alone will not win aerospace business
Technical capability opens doors, but aerospace buyers also need confidence in quality, delivery and capacity, explains ADS’s Scott Pendry.
Aerospace Insights

14 Nov 2026

The British airliner that found a second life fighting fires
BAe 146 Atmospheric Research Aircraft
The British airliner that found a second life fighting fires
Once a familiar sight on regional airline routes, the four-engined BAe 146 has found an unexpected new role on the wildfire frontline.
Aerospace

14 Nov 2026

Ontic appoints Jonathan Grant as Chief Engineer
Jonathan Grant
Ontic appoints Jonathan Grant as Chief Engineer
As Ontic's portfolio grows to include more flight-critical products, Jonathan Grant's appointment as Chief Engineer will strengthen the company's technical expertise and its navigation of regulatory frameworks and aviation safety.
Aerospace Member News

13 Nov 2026

UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
The Russian Navy's Neustrashimy-class guided-missile frigate is shadowed by an 815 NAS-operated Wildcat HMA2 as it transits the English Channel on 10 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
Russian naval activity around the UK has increased by 41% this year, prompting fresh warnings over threats to UK security, undersea cables and critical infrastructure.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
The new Single Living Accommodation building at RAF Leeming.
New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
Delivered under the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, the opening of new sustainable infrastructure at RAF Leeming will allow the Air C2 (Command and Control) Force to complete their move to the station.
Defence Member News

13 Nov 2026

Royal Navy commits to three new mine-hunting motherships
Royal Navy OSVs mining hunters
Royal Navy commits to three new mine-hunting motherships
The Royal Navy has formally committed to purchasing Norwegian OSVs as Norway formally commits to British Type 26 frigates.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Satellite orbiting earth
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
Defence Member News Space

12 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Norwegian Customs
Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Advanced mobile vehicle screening systems from Smiths Detection will enable Norway to enhance its capability to inspect goods traffic across key border and customs locations.
Member News Security

13 Nov 2026

NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Laptop user pressing Windows key
NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Cybercriminals could exploit the global Microsoft outage, warns the NCSC, as an AI expert urges UK businesses to have a Plan B when systems fail.
Security

13 Nov 2026

82% say UK Government is not doing enough to prepare for security threats, RAND survey finds
A team of five diverse cybersecurity analysts wearing headsets monitors security information and event management dashboards on multiple screens in a dark operations war room at night.
82% say UK Government is not doing enough to prepare for security threats, RAND survey finds
New RAND Europe research reveals that over 80% of Great Britain adults believe the government is unprepared for future security threats, while two-thirds support increased defence spending.
Security

13 Nov 2026