Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Global aircraft orders for January saw a modest start to 2023, the majority of orders placed were for single-aisle aircraft with 70 single-aisle and 22 wide-body aircraft ordered, 19 per cent less than 2022, but in line with post pandemic recovery trends and expectations, according to ADS, the trade organisation for companies in the UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors. UK manufacturers delivered 58 aircraft, 53 single-aisle and 5 wide-body aircraft, which compared to January 2022 is a 6 per cent decrease. 

Aircraft deliveries are expected to increase in the coming months as manufacturers absorb the production rate ramp ups of 2022, ensure global supply chains are prepared for 2023, and look ahead to a busy calendar of international events, including Paris Airshow in June.

With few cancellations in January, the backlog of aircraft orders continues to rise and is above 13,500 aircraft for the 14th consecutive month following three per cent growth on January 2022. The current backlog is 13,519 aircraft, a positive marker for the health of the sector, and in the coming years, the backlog could be worth up to £209 billion in approximate value to the UK aerospace sector. 

ADS will issue a global delivery forecast for 2023 at the end of Q1 when manufacturers have released their rate intentions for the year and when ADS Q1 aircraft delivery figures are published in April. 

ADS Chief Executive, Kevin Craven said: “The modest global aircraft orders made in January remains in line with our post-pandemic recovery expectations. Deliveries remain stable but below last year, but this is not concerning as January can be a volatile month. 

“Throughout 2023, the international aviation and aerospace industries will come together at important events such as the Sustainable Skies World Summit, and Paris Airshow, offering the UK the important opportunity to continue its leadership in the development of net zero aircraft technology.

“Ahead of these events, in the upcoming Spring Budget, I hope to see the Chancellor address the rising cost of doing business which affects UK manufacturer’s ability to deliver on the rate ramp ups. Investing in the UK supply chain is essential to ensure that the global aerospace sector can meet our ambitious decarbonisation goals, and for a sustained post-pandemic recovery to continue.”