General Atomics

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

A total of 521 aircraft orders were placed in the first quarter – representing a 73% increase compared to Q1 2024 – as demand rises for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, according to ADS.



Image copyright Shutterstock

The trade association highlighted that aircraft deliveries were also up 20% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

The figures – which run until 31st March, two days before the US Administration’s announcement of tariff increases on US imports – show further that the industry’s backlog of aircraft orders has reached a new record high, standing at 15,954 aircraft at the end of March – 1% higher than Q1 2024.

This backlog is estimated to be worth up to £254 billion to the UK economy at current production rates, underscoring the long-term value of the aerospace sector and its extensive UK supply chain.

ADS Outlook
The recent tariffs introduced by the US Administration on 2nd April are still being evaluated by industry leaders, with  disruption to trade and supply chains likely to affect aircraft deliveries in the coming months.

Broader international reactions to the evolving US trade policy may add further uncertainty, particularly for long-haul programmes and cross-border component flows. That is why ADS is calling on the UK Government to seek exemptions for civil aircraft, engine parts and components as part of our trade negotiations to ensure the free movement of aerospace goods in line with the longstanding WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft.

Despite these challenges,  increased momentum at the start of 2025 shows that with the right conditions, industry can deliver strong performance metrics and support UK competitiveness in the global aerospace market.

Related

London Gatwick gets another new airline as Air China launches Chengdu flights
Air China London Gatwick
London Gatwick gets another new airline as Air China launches Chengdu flights
Air China has launched a new London Gatwick service to Chengdu Tianfu, strengthening the airport’s growing China network during a busy year for new airline and route growth.
Aerospace Member News

14 Jul 2026

More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
UK unveils SAF revenue certainty mechanism to unlock domestic fuel production
BRIZE NORTON, UK: RAF Voyager aircraft being fuelled with 43% SAF from IAG/British Airways/bp at Brize Norton on 16 April 2023
UK unveils SAF revenue certainty mechanism to unlock domestic fuel production
The UK has published its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Revenue Certainty Mechanism strategy, supporting domestic SAF production.
Aerospace Most Read

14 Jul 2026

BAE Systems takes BATS counter-drone system from concept to test in eight months
BAE Systems BATS counter drone testing
BAE Systems takes BATS counter-drone system from concept to test in eight months
BAE Systems has completed integration and deployment testing of its Anti-Threat System, a scalable counter-drone capability developed to protect military forces, infrastructure and high-value assets.
Defence Member News

14 Jul 2026

Boeing sees UK role for MQ-28 Ghost Bat as RAF explores autonomous combat aircraft
Boeing-MQ-28
Boeing sees UK role for MQ-28 Ghost Bat as RAF explores autonomous combat aircraft
Boeing believes the MQ-28 Ghost Bat’s maturity and modular design could make it relevant to the RAF’s future CCA programme, with Boeing Defence UK positioned to support payload integration and sustainment.
Defence Insights Most Read

14 Jul 2026

Royal Navy faces escort shortfall as ageing Type 23 frigates leave service
HMS IRon Duke, a type 23 frigate, is now retired from the royal navy
Royal Navy faces escort shortfall as ageing Type 23 frigates leave service
The retirement of HMS Richmond, HMS Iron Duke and HMS Chiddingfold highlights the Royal Navy’s challenge of sustaining escort numbers until new frigates enter service.
Defence Most Read

14 Jul 2026

More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
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.
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
£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.