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

Flights from London Stansted and Dublin disrupted by latest bomb threat alerts
Ryanair aircraft tails
Flights from London Stansted and Dublin disrupted by latest bomb threat alerts
"In my entire career I never saw anything like this," said former air traffic controller Michele Robson, as bomb threats disrupted flights from London Stansted and Dublin.
Aerospace

5 Nov 2026

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

Team LionStrike delivers three vehicles for UK MoD LMV trials
Team LionStrike LMV contenders
Team LionStrike delivers three vehicles for UK MoD LMV trials
Team LionStrike has delivered a Battlefield Ambulance, Tactical Mobility Vehicle and General Purpose Vehicle for the UK MoD’s Light Mobility Vehicle competition.
Defence

5 Nov 2026

Dr Ewan Kirk appointed MoD’s Director Innovation
Dr Ewan Kirk
Dr Ewan Kirk appointed MoD’s Director Innovation
Technology entrepreneur Dr Ewan Kirk has joined the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, bringing more than 30 years of experience across science, finance and industry, to lead UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) in support of the NAD Group’s commitments under the Strategic Defence Review.
Defence

5 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

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.
UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
Facial recognition
UK plans tougher facial recognition laws and police technology watchdog
The Home Office plans a statutory framework for police facial recognition, including independent oversight and mandatory bias testing.
Security

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 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