Global aerospace growth to reach 11.5% in 2027 as supply-chain pressures persist

Accenture’s latest Commercial Aerospace Insight Report forecasts global commercial aerospace revenue will grow by 11.5% in 2027, following an estimated 13% increase in 2026.

The consultancy foresees a 12% increase in combined Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries next year. However, manufacturers continue to face supply-chain constraints and concerns about production reliability.

Accenture found that 85% of aerospace executives expect industry revenue to grow over the next 24 months, and 74% plan to increase production capacity over the same period.

Manufacturing capacity, supplier performance and delivery reliability are the main challenges to sustaining growth, according to Accenture.

Aircraft backlogs increase pressure on manufacturers

The consultancy estimates that outstanding aircraft orders are approaching 60% of the active commercial fleet, compared with a historical average of 30% to 40%.

Manufacturers are increasing production, but shortages and delays affecting engines, aerostructures and manufacturing processes continue to disrupt output.

The report found that confidence in suppliers’ ability to meet near-term delivery and quality expectations has fallen to a five-year low.

“Executives cite supplier and partner readiness as the top capability barrier in supply chain and manufacturing,” the report’s authors state.

Nevertheless, 88% of executives surveyed expect their suppliers to meet or exceed expectations over the next 12 months.

Recent industry figures confirm that aircraft production is recovering, although deliveries have yet to catch up with demand.

As Advance reported in September, ADS data showed that Airbus, Boeing and COMAC delivered 903 commercial aircraft during the first eight months of 2026, up 9% year-on-year and the strongest performance for the period since 2018.

The combined Airbus and Boeing backlog stood at 17,010 aircraft at the end of August, representing more than 12 years of production at current rates.

Supply-chain cost pressures mount

Accenture predicts that supply-chain cost pressures will continue to rise. 

“Over the next six months, 62% of executives expect raw-material costs to rise, while 59%

expect increases in both subsystem and parts costs and labor costs. Cost pressures shift toward labor as production increases in 2027, with 74% expecting higher labor costs over the next 12 months compared with half expecting increases in raw-material costs and subsystem and parts costs.” 

Accenture also sees geopolitical disruption and fuel volatility continuing to impact the aerospace sector, saying they “remain the clearest near-term threats to industry momentum into 2027.”

Manufacturers prioritise production capacity

Accenture found that 74% of executives identified production and delivery growth as a leading priority for developing their companies’ capabilities.

Manufacturers are investing in additional capacity while seeking to improve supply-chain coordination, quality control and production planning.

The report also identified increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis to improve manufacturing efficiency and identify potential supply-chain problems.

Among executives surveyed, 41% favour partnerships to develop AI capabilities, while 36% prioritise acquisitions and 18% prefer internal development.

Investment in manufacturing capacity is underway. In September, Advance reported that Airbus was investing £150 million to convert its former A380 wing factory at Broughton into an A321 production facility, creating 480 jobs.

Maintenance spending expected to increase

Accenture also forecasts continued growth in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activity.

The report found that 76% of executives expect MRO spending to increase over the next two years.

Demand for aftermarket services remains strong as airlines maintain existing fleets while awaiting new aircraft deliveries.

The report identifies manufacturing and supply-chain resilience as priorities for aerospace companies that want to meet higher production targets.

Accenture expects commercial aerospace growth to remain in double digits next year. However, the consultancy warns that manufacturers will need to improve production reliability and supplier performance to meet delivery commitments.