UK aerospace deliveries hit eight-year high as orders surge, ADS reports

Aircraft deliveries in 2025 outstripped every year since 2018, marking the strongest performance for the UK aerospace sector in almost a decade, according to new figures from ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries.

A total of 1,411 aircraft were delivered last year – a 25% increase on the 1,128 handed over in 2024 – signalling a decisive rebound in production despite ongoing supply-chain pressures.

Orders climb by half

The recovery was mirrored by a sharp rise in demand. ADS data shows that 2,175 aircraft orders were placed in 2025, representing a 50% year-on-year jump as airlines and lessors renewed fleet investment plans.

For the second consecutive year the industry’s order book also reached an all-time high. The global backlog now stands at 16,371 aircraft, driven largely by a 24% increase in wide-body commitments compared with 2024. ADS estimates that pipeline equates to more than 13 years of work for UK manufacturers and suppliers and could be worth up to £269bn at current production rates.

Deliveries exceed forecasts

The sector’s performance surpassed even optimistic expectations set by ADS. The organisation’s “high-growth” scenario had projected 1,340 deliveries for 2025, yet manufacturers beat that target by a further 71 aircraft.

Single-aisle programmes accounted for the bulk of output, with 1,165 narrow-body jets delivered – 22% more than the 956 in 2024. Wide-body production grew even faster, rising 43% to 246 aircraft, up from 172 the previous year.

Confidence returning

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS, said the figures reflected a sector regaining momentum after several difficult years. She noted that the second half of 2025 had been particularly strong, with deliveries running 5% ahead of the association’s most optimistic scenario.

Stone added that the upswing in orders showed confidence was returning, but warned that continued progress would depend on a supportive policy environment. She said it was “vitally important” that governments worked together to create stable regulatory and investment conditions “that allow our sector to thrive”.

Focus turns to 2026

Balaji Srimoolanathan, Director for Aerospace and the Aerospace Growth Partnership at ADS, said manufacturers had responded to volatile global conditions by pushing production beyond expected capability. He described aerospace as a sector “at the cutting edge of innovation”, committed to rigorous quality and safety standards.

Looking ahead, Srimoolanathan argued that 2026 would be pivotal. With demand rebounding, the priority must be to reinforce the UK supply chain and ensure domestic firms remain competitive as output accelerates worldwide. “As the skies begin to clear for aerospace manufacturers,” he said, decisive action would be required to secure long-term growth.

The ADS report suggests that, despite geopolitical uncertainty and lingering component shortages, the UK aerospace industry has entered a new phase of expansion – one that could sustain employment and investment well into the next decade if momentum is maintained.