Aircraft deliveries in 2019 remain close to the rate set in 2018, with the total of 515 deliveries to the end of May lagging just 13 aircraft behind last year’s record figures. The value to the UK of these deliveries is estimated at between £10bn and £11.5bn, helped by 11 more higher value wide-body aircraft being delivered in May 2019 compared to 2018.
The order backlog at the end of May fell below 14,000 aircraft for the first time in 18 months, but at 13,828 will be worth an estimated £214bn to the UK aerospace industry when these aircraft are manufactured in coming years.
Last week saw the global aerospace industry come together for the Paris Airshow, with more than 70 UK companies exhibiting. Manufacturers announced orders, commitments and intent agreements for 861 new aircraft across the single-aisle, wide-body, regional and turboprop aircraft categories. These could be worth up to £8bn to the UK if all commitments and intent agreements are confirmed, while 115 firm orders are expected to be worth £1.2bn to £1.4bn.
The Paris Airshow saw good news for UK manufacturers as airlines and leasing companies placed new orders and commitments for modern, technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.
Sustainability and reducing the impact of aviation on the environment was a key theme of this year’s Airshow, and we welcome the joint statement made by chief technology officers from seven of the most important manufacturers on their strategy to address the issue.
The UK is a world leader in aerospace manufacturing and have the opportunity to secure great economic gains, as well as environmental benefits from developing the next generation of flight technology if we make the UK an attractive destination for new R&D investment.
The global success of the UK aerospace industry is built upon close regulatory alignment and supply integration across the Europe Union. The UK benefits of high value, long-term jobs and sustained investment in new technology are threatened by a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
ADS is the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 1,000 member businesses.
