Commercial aircraft orders grew by almost two thirds in February 2025 compared to February 2024. 27 narrowbody aircraft were ordered in February 2025, although no widebody aircraft orders were placed.
The latest commercial aircraft data from ADS, the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space trade association, further highlights a sustained growth in aircraft deliveries, with 86 delivered in February 2025. The ADS dataset highlights 13% year-on-year growth in aircraft deliveries (by Airbus, Boeing and Comac), and the highest number of deliveries for the month since 2019.
ADS data reflects a stabilising market and a steadying backlog of 15,767 aircraft orders. While this still accounts for £255 billion and around 14 years’ worth of work, this marks a slow departure from the record backlog figures seen in recent years.
The February 2025 data is promising. Both orders and deliveries are showing steady improvement. albeit gradual, indicating that market pressures – including workforce issues and regulatory hurdles – are gradually easing, as the deliveries of aircraft come through.
While the stabilising backlog will reassure investors, the absence of widebody orders this month could be a concern for UK manufacturers, given their exposure to the widebody market. This trend, if it continues, will need to be closely watched alongside growing demand for single-aisle aircraft.
ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 1,400 member businesses.
