Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

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.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.”

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

Aerospace Security

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

15 April 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

Aerospace Space Events

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

14 April 2026

During the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) today, Viasat announced it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company’s next-gen electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programmes.

NI aerospace innovation showcased at AIX

Aerospace Events

NI aerospace innovation showcased at AIX

14 April 2026

Today, three Northern Ireland aerospace companies are presenting their innovative aerospace solutions to airlines at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), Hamburg Messe, 14th-16th April 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
World’s busiest airports revealed

Aerospace

World’s busiest airports revealed

14 April 2026

Today, Airports Council International (ACI) World has revealed the 2025 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, highlighting the industry’s leading hubs across total passengers, international passengers, air cargo and aircraft movements.

Scottish Leather scales up BioFoam production

Aerospace

Scottish Leather scales up BioFoam production

13 April 2026

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has opened a 75,000 sq. ft facility in Glasgow to design and manufacture BioPRO, its protein-based, recoverable moulded foam, with the new site marking a significant investment in the Group’s sustainable interior materials innovation for multiple passenger transport sectors and enabling its Muirhead brand to scale up ...

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner