2 min read - 4 Jun, 2026
ADS reveals record backlog and eightfold increase in aircraft orders
Commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for the month in a decade, according to the latest figures from ADS.
The data, from the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries, highlights that a total of 164 aircraft orders were placed during the month, almost eight times higher than in April 2025. The sharp increase was driven in part by a resurgence in widebody demand, with 94 orders recorded, representing an 840% rise on the same month last year.
Aircraft deliveries also showed continued progress, with 115 aircraft delivered in April, up 13% year-on-year and the highest April delivery figure since 2015. Growth was led by single-aisle programmes, with 95 aircraft delivered during the month, reflecting ongoing efforts by manufacturers to increase narrowbody production rates.
The global aircraft order backlog has reached a record high, following an eightfold increase in aircraft orders, ADS reveals / Picture: Getty/iStock/Polybutmono
Resilience in the face of global instability: ADS commentary
ADS data highlights the sector’s resilience, with 733 aircraft orders placed in the first four months of 2026, more than one-third higher than the same period last year.
The global aircraft backlog reached a new all-time high of 16,683 aircraft at the end of April, up 5% year-on-year. At current production rates, this represents approximately 12 years of work for the global aerospace industry and is estimated to be worth £335–385bn to the UK economy.
Despite this positive momentum, ADS continues not to issue a formal forecast for aircraft deliveries in 2026, reflecting ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty facing the global aerospace sector.
If the industry is to continue building on this progress, global policy coordination, alongside continued support from governments and the business community, will remain crucial.
