Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • UK's aerospace industry remains globally competitive

Aerospace

UK's aerospace industry remains globally competitive

Annual figures released today by aerospace trade body ADS Group show that in 2016, the global aerospace industry delivered a record-breaking number of aircraft for the sixth consecutive year.

A totoal of 1,443 commercial aircraft rolled off the production line, representing up to £27 billion to the UK’s aerospace industry, an increase of £4 billion on 2015.

ADS forecasts that 2017 will see a rise of between six and seven per cent in delivery rates equating to more than 1,500 new aircraft. With 13,567 aircraft on order – the highest ever level of demand - manufacturers are facing pressure to increase production rates. Since 2006 aircraft production has increased by 75% delivering significant new investment, jobs and prosperity to the UK.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our modern industrial strategy will build on our existing strengths as an agile, modern economy and the UK aerospace sector is one of our great success stories, generating around £30 billion a year and supporting nearly 230,000 jobs. We are number one in Europe and the increase in global aircraft production is good news for the whole of our aero supply chain. With government and industry investing nearly £4 billion by 2026, we have shown our continued commitment to this vital industry.”

Paul Everitt (right), CEO of ADS Group said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is a global success story; year-on-year companies throughout the country are winning against tough international competitors to deliver regional growth and national prosperity. Long-term demand for new aircraft is good news; however there is no room for complacency and businesses throughout the supply chain need to focus on driving up productivity.

“The UK Government has demonstrated its commitment to UK aerospace through its continued support for an aerospace industrial strategy and the work of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP); a focused approach to delivering long term technology funding; strengthening supply chains, and driving exports. The value of this is heightened as we prepare for Brexit, remaining globally competitive and a base of exciting innovation will be our best response to the challenges and uncertainties of leaving the European Union.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

Aerospace Security Events

WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

21 November 2025

Somerset based specialist in safety-critical embedded software, WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems (WHIS), has been officially presented with the King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in a ceremony at its Long Ashton headquarters.

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

Aerospace

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

21 November 2025

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced that applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme are now open.

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

Aerospace Security

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

21 November 2025

Britten-Norman is working with World Mobile Stratospheric (WMS) to demonstrate a pioneering airborne 5G communication system using a BN2T-4S Islander aircraft.

Smiths Detection

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 600 achieves ECAC/EU G1 approval

20 November 2025

Smiths Detection today announced that its IONSCAN 600 explosives trace detector (ETD) has achieved ECAC/EU G1 approval, ensuring that all ECAC-approved units equipped with the new Control Parameter (CP) set are fully compliant with the latest G1 standards for passengers/cargo.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

Aerospace Events

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

20 November 2025

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Emirates and Rolls-Royce today at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates will perform Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines powering its own A380 fleet from 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT