Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Aircraft orders stabilise whilst recovery prospects remain fragile

Aerospace

Aircraft orders stabilise whilst recovery prospects remain fragile

The month of April saw the overall order backlog of commercial aircraft begin to stabilise as customers placed 73 new orders, of which 68 are single aisle aircraft and five for widebodies.

The backlog is now 1,000 aircraft below the level of April 2020, when the Covid-19 crisis had a severe impact on international demand for aviation, new aircraft, and repair and maintenance.

The more than 12,800 aircraft on global order books represent many years’ production at current rates, with manufacturers now beginning to set out plans for the coming years in restoring production rates that were cut by around one third due to the crisis.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The international aviation outlook remains fragile given the tentative first steps and a limited return to international travel. UK flight volumes at the end of May are more than 75% below pre-crisis levels and volumes across Europe are around 60% lower compared to 2019 figures. In the United States, traveller numbers recorded at airports in recent days stand at 25% to 30% below 2019, driven by domestic travel.

A full recovery for aerospace manufacturers and for aircraft maintenance and repair businesses, will be possible only when more key routes, including across Europe and between the UK and US, are opened to passengers without the need for substantial quarantine periods.

ADS Chief Executive Kevin Craven (above) said: “As vaccination programmes advance, the global aviation industry is seeing domestic routes in major markets recover more quickly, while tentative steps are being taken to restore international travel.

“Demand remains severely suppressed compared to pre-crisis levels and the situation continues to be extremely challenging for aerospace manufacturers in the UK and overseas. It will be a long road to recovery, and expectations for the months ahead should be cautious until more major travel routes are fully reopened.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

“We urge the Government to make progress in the coming weeks on adding key destinations to the UK’s green list for travel, cutting the cost of testing for passengers and creating a clear pathway for internationally recognised COVID certification.”

 

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

Aerospace

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

14 July 2025

Aerospace specialist Airframe Designs has appointed David Roberts as the new chairman of its Advisory Board, as it continues to expand its services in engineering and additive manufacturing to the aviation and related sectors worldwide.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Birmingham Airport unveils terminal upgrades

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport unveils terminal upgrades

14 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has unveiled its latest terminal investment as it opened extended boarding gate lounges.

Frequentis enhances Gatwick

Aerospace

Frequentis enhances Gatwick's departure efficiency

14 July 2025

London Gatwick has deployed the Frequentis Departure Manager (DMAN) system that went into full network mode on 23rd June 2025 as part of Gatwick’s Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) programme, which is connected to the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, enabling better coordination across European airspace.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025