Record aircraft deliveries in 2018 worth £26bn to the UK economy

The month’s deliveries were worth up to £3 billion to the UK, which manufactures major components like wings, engines, landing gear and avionics for the world’s most widely flown commercial aircraft. The total value to UK industry of deliveries so far this year has now reached up to £26 billion.

The anticipated total number of deliveries has been revised down to 1600 from 1710 as major manufacturers adjust expectations in light of slower than expected engine deliveries.

However, 2018 is still set to achieve a substantial new record in aircraft deliveries, going beyond the 2017 total of 1498. Demand also remains strong, with the backlog of orders staying above 14,000 for an entire year for the first time.

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “Sustained growth in demand for aviation around the world is pushing commercial aircraft deliveries towards another new annual record.

“This industry is worth more than £30 billion a year to the UK, and at the end of 2018 we are celebrating an Aerospace Sector Deal announced this month that can help make the UK a world leader in electrification of flight.

“This is a long-cycle industry and the orders being delivered this year were placed long before UK manufacturers faced the current Brexit uncertainty.

“There are now fewer than 100 days before the UK is due to leave the EU, and companies are reluctantly implementing contingency plans to prepare for the worst case scenario of a chaotic no-deal Brexit.

“Across this industry and many others, workers and businesses are looking to Parliament to end the stalemate over Brexit, agree a deal that delivers a transition period, and give manufacturers reason to approach the New Year with confidence.”

ADS Group www.adsgroup.org.uk