3 minute read - 7th December 2023
Aerospace sector sees another record breaking month
Year-to-date aircraft orders and deliveries are significantly ahead of 2022, with the latest global data highlighting strong new orders and a substantial order backlog.
According to figures released by ADS Group, so far this year, 2,430 aircraft orders have been placed, a 43% increase on the same period in 2022. Single-aisle aircraft account for just over 80% of orders placed this year, demonstrating the rapid demand for recovery in the domestic and short-haul travel industry post-pandemic.
Year-to-date deliveries have also increased, with the 966 aircraft delivered marking a 12% increase on 2022 with 799 single-aisle and 167 wide-body aircraft delivered. Although ahead of 2022 by 106 aircraft, ongoing supply chain constraints continue to hamper the ramp up of global aircraft production.
More positivity for UK aerospace, the order backlog for aircraft and engines has hit another record high – the backlog is estimated to be worth around £234bn to the UK / Picture: Getty/iStock
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October 2023 marks the third record-breaking high, with the global aircraft order backlog now totalling 14,794 aircraft. At current rates, the aircraft on backlog order are estimated to be worth £234bn to the UK’s aerospace sector.
ADS said that in the Autumn Statement, the welcome and timely measures announced by the chancellor are critical to secure the UK’s advantage in an increasingly complex environment. For the UK’s aerospace sector, which contributes £10.8bn in value add to the UK economy, £975m is being made available to support the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology.
It added that prior to the Autumn Statement, the publication of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan was welcome. The continued commitment towards aerospace R&D is significant and will provide a boost to continued investment in innovation and advanced manufacturing in the UK. In addition, the government’s commitment to expand the Made Smarter programme to a pan-UK programme, will benefit businesses across all nations and regions.
Aimie Stone, chief economist at ADS, said: “Measures announced in the Autumn Statement and consequent Advanced Manufacturing plan reaffirm the government’s long-term backing of our world-leading manufacturing sectors. This is a very timely intervention given the growing appetite for innovation in aerospace alongside the recovery of aircraft order book year-to-date, showing industries’ continued commitment to net zero. Continued commitment towards aerospace R&D is significant and provides a boost to continued investment and innovation. However, ongoing supply chain challenges continue, and it is important these are recognised and addressed to secure the long-term advantage of our industry.”
As well as advanced manufacturing support, other sector relevant measures include changes to the current R&D expenditure credit scheme, a £50m pilot to address barriers to entry in high-value apprenticeships, capital full expensing to be made permanent as well as the creation of investment zones focusing on advanced manufacturing.
