Latest data reveals that aircraft deliveries reaches five-year peak

As per the latest data provided by ADS, the UK trade organization representing the Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space sectors, aircraft deliveries have reached their highest point since 2018.

In 2023, the combined aircraft deliveries from the two major manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, amounted to 1,265—an 11% increase compared to 2022. Furthermore, a record-breaking number of new aircraft orders were placed in 2023, totaling 3,850, marking the highest ever recorded figure since ADS began keeping records.

Sales of single-aisle airliners, such as the A320 and 737 families, witnessed a remarkable 78% growth, while wide-body aircraft sales, including the A350 and 787, surged by 168%.

The backlog of new aircraft is also on the rise, increasing by 16% year on year. Currently, there are 15,753 aircraft in the backlog, with manufacturers awaiting production and delivery.

The last quarter of 2023 saw the most robust activity in terms of deliveries since 2018, reflecting the ongoing recovery and expansion of the aerospace sector after the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS, commented on the record-breaking year, stating, “With a record-breaking year, December 2023 saw the highest order books for the month since 2017, alongside the largest deliveries. This stronger than expected December signals the best on record Q4 for both orders and deliveries since 2018.”

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani MP expressed satisfaction with the results, saying, “Delivering on growing the economy is one of the Prime Minister’s key economic priorities. As Aerospace Minister, I am absolutely thrilled to see that the aerospace sector has had such a record-breaking year for orders and deliveries, helping us well on the way to achieving our goal with orders up 91% year on year.”

She added, “The UK aerospace sector is world-leading, and this is yet another vote of confidence in our work. We’re growing the economy and supporting highly-skilled, high-wage careers across the UK, at the same time as boosting the name of UK PLC around the world.”

Moreover, order cancellations in 2023 reached their lowest point in years, with only 352 orders being canceled.