UK’s aerospace industry is back on track

Aircraft delivery rates in the first quarter of 2016 are 35% higher than those five years ago

Aircraft manufacturing in the UK returned to record-breaking levels in March, with 128 new aircraft coming off the production line, according to data released by aerospace trade organisation ADS Group.

Delivery rates for the first quarter of 2016 were down by 5% compared with the same quarter of 2015, initially reflecting a shift by manufacturers to the production of new aircraft types. Overall, aircraft delivery rates in the first quarter are 35% higher than those five years ago.

The backlog in the first quarter of the year stood at around 400 aircraft - 3% higher than the first three months of 2015 levels. The backlog could be worth up to £195 billion to UK industry.

The total number of engines ordered in the first quarter of the year was the largest for a first quarter since 2012. The high order numbers represent airlines placing orders for engines for previously ordered aircraft. There remain more than 4,500 engines yet to be ordered for more than 2,400 aircraft in the backlog and there are 22,026 engines on the order book – second highest levels ever recorded.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group, said: “March’s delivery data demonstrates that the UK’s Aerospace industry continues to gain from its commitment to increasing productivity. The impacts of a slow start to the year, as a result of a move by manufacturers to start producing new aircraft, look set to be absorbed and 2016 promises to be a strong year for aircraft deliveries.

By taking a modern approach to industrial partnerships through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, there exists a climate in which industry can respond to challenges effectively, benefiting from the investment in innovation which drives up productivity, enabling it to compete successfully,” he added.