General Atomics

Aircraft orders slump in November

According to ADS, a two thirds slump in aircraft orders has resulted in the worst November since 2020.

Image copyright Shutterstock

Commercial aircraft orders fell 65% in November 2024 to just 79, representing the lowest demand for aircraft in the month since 2020.

The latest commercial aircraft data from ADS, the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors further highlights a 55% decline fall in year to date aircraft orders.  

ADS notes that Aircraft deliveries are down 10% in the first eleven months of the year, primarily due to lagging widebody aircraft deliveries, which dropped by 25%.

The 98 aircraft delivered in November represents a sustained decline and for both the monthly and year-to-date figure, ADS notes the persistent influence of workforce issues and supply chain challenges on production.

The ongoing slowdown in deliveries has meant the commercial aircraft order backlog is 7% higher than in November 2023, at a saturated 15,822. This totals more than £250bn of value for the UK and represents more than a decade’s worth of work.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS said: “While November orders can be volatile, ongoing production challenges and workforce factors make this a disappointing month, as it suggests declining confidence in production capacity and increased uncertainty in demand.

“As anticipated, continuing delays in production have led to further volatility in aircraft deliveries. This trend will likely continue and make reaching the forecasted figure less feasible unless the typical December delivery push outperforms previous years. One hundred and ninety-two aircraft deliveries are required by the end of December to meet the ADS global delivery forecast of 1,165 aircraft.”

Related

All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon open Farnborough International Airshow 2022
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
From the Typhoon to UAVs. Here's a complete guide to the displays at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, by category.
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Glasgow international airport
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Connected Places Catapult is seeking UK SMEs to develop and test technologies at Glasgow Airport, with up to £30,000 available for selected innovators.
Aerospace

13 Jul 2026

UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
Collins elecTRAS electric thrust reverser
UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
The Wolverhampton capability builds on elecTRAS experience from the Airbus A350 while strengthening UK expertise in more-electric aircraft systems.
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed Martin UK says it has become the first defence company to achieve Defence Cyber Certification Level 3 under the Ministry of Defence programme.
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon open Farnborough International Airshow 2022
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
From the Typhoon to UAVs. Here's a complete guide to the displays at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, by category.
Inside Affinity: Building UK capability for the future of military flying training
Affinity Flying Training Services RAF Cranwell
Inside Affinity: Building UK capability for the future of military flying training
Affinity Flying Training Services operates a fleet of 42 aircraft supporting pilot training for the UK Armed Forces. ADS Advance was recently invited to RAF Cranwell to understand how the business is building the engineering, maintenance and operational capability needed for the future.
Defence Insights Most Read

13 Jul 2026

York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems completes acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems has completed its acquisition of ALL.SPACE, bringing multi-orbit terminal technology together with space infrastructure and mission operations capability.
Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX_expands_to_energy_solutions
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX is broadening the use of its electric aerospace powertrain technology into mission-critical energy applications including defence, space, data centres and mobility.
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The UK Space and Defence Gateway has officially opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, creating a new hub for collaboration across government, industry, academia and investors.
Defence Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
The government has announced more than £250 million over three years to increase policing, counter-terrorism capability and specialist protection for Jewish communities across England and Wales.
Security

13 Jul 2026

Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed Martin UK says it has become the first defence company to achieve Defence Cyber Certification Level 3 under the Ministry of Defence programme.
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
Aerospace engineer GE UK
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
ADS says the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors remain resilient, but rising costs, finance pressures and supply chain constraints mean government commitments must now translate into action.