Aircraft orders hit new highs in February

The global aerospace industry enjoyed a surge in orders in February, putting it on track for another record year for deliveries.

The number of commercial aircraft ordered increased to 43 in February from just four in the same month a year earlier, according to figures from industry trade association ADS.

Growth was driven mainly by demand for single-aisle planes designed for short-haul travel.

The industry delivered 100 aircraft to customers in February, with a value of up to £2 billion to the UK economy, including research and development and manufacturing.

The number of deliveries in February was down slightly from 102 in the same month last year. A total of 1,443 commercial aircraft rolled off production lines in 2016, breaking the record for a sixth year.

“Today’s figures demonstrate continued success for the UK aerospace industry and good prospects for the rest of 2017, said ADS chief executive Paul Everitt. “The industry is looking to build on 2016’s record year for deliveries, as all major aircraft companies look to increase their production rates.”

There was a backlog of 13,436 commercial aircraft on order in February, worth about £220 billion to UK industry.

However, the Brexit vote has created uncertainty about whether aerospace employers could look to move manufacturing for next-generation aircraft to other locations.

“It will be vital for industry and government to work together to secure a good Brexit deal, one that gives companies in our sectors the confidence to invest and create more high value jobs in every region of the UK,” Everitt said.