Global aircraft deliveries on track but Brexit crisis threatens UK industry

Gross orders have fallen significantly in February 2019 but the backlog of aircraft on order books remains high, still standing at more than 14,000 aircraft. A decrease in widebody aircraft orders and a decrease in the widebody backlog follows the cancellation of remaining A380 orders earlier this year.

Engines are looking strong across the board with a record backlog, an increase in deliveries and orders. The engine backlog is now at a record 26,160 which has been led by growth in single-aisle engine orders. Year-to-date orders are up 134% with 358 orders across both engine types, this is in advance of anticipated widebody aircraft orders and contributing to the record backlog.

However, UK industry has already seen a decline in value of aerospace manufacturing in 2018 and faces the prospect of major disruption if a deal is not urgently agreed on Brexit.

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “While the global industry is thriving, UK industry continues to face the all too real threat of a No Deal Brexit. As MPs return to Parliament to vote on a Brexit deal again this week, we urge the Government to remove the threat of No Deal and commit to work with Parliament to secure a new approach.

“The UK has worked hard to build its reputation as home to one of the best aerospace industries in the world. Government and Parliament must find a solution to this Brexit crisis without delay or risk our future competitiveness and prosperity.”