The global commercial aircraft backlog reached a record 17,037 aircraft in July 2026, extending an unprecedented run of historic highs and underlining the long-term growth prospects for the aerospace sector, according to the latest analysis from ADS.
The data highlights that aircraft manufacturers (Airbus, Boeing and Comac) recorded 242 aircraft orders in the month of July, representing a 537% increase over July 2025 and 85% higher than July 2024, when the Farnborough International Airshow last took place.
121 aircraft deliveries were recorded during the month, matching 2024 as the highest July delivery total on record, while year-to-date deliveries reached 794 aircraft, representing the strongest January to July delivery performance since 2018.
The record backlog orderbook of Airbus and Boeing aircraft is equivalent to more than 12 years of production at current delivery rates, representing an estimated £395 billion in value to the UK economy.
Orders surge as airlines continue to expand their fleets
The first seven months of 2026 saw 1,573 aircraft orders placed globally, which is a 31% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Single-aisle aircraft continued to dominate demand, with 1,261 orders recorded – up 78% year-on-year – reflecting sustained passenger demand for short-haul travel and airlines’ focus on fleet efficiency.
July alone saw 187 single-aisle aircraft orders, which is a 467% increase on July 2025, while widebody orders reached 55 aircraft, up 1,000% year-on-year.
The outlook for 2026
While deliveries have achieved their strongest year-to-date performance since 2018, the global backlog continues to expand as demand outpaces production.
ADS has developed three scenarios for full-year aircraft deliveries in 2026:
- Modest growth scenario: 1,490 aircraft delivered – up 6% on 2025.
- Medium growth scenario: 1,560 aircraft delivered – representing just over 10% growth.
- High growth scenario: 1,630 aircraft delivered – approximately 16% higher than 2025.
The global commercial aircraft market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and long-term strength. A record backlog of more than 17,000 aircraft provides a clear signal of sustained demand for new aircraft and represents a significant opportunity for the UK’s world-leading aerospace sector.
The UK plays a critical role in major commercial aircraft programmes. With the current backlog worth up to £395 billion to UK industry, these figures underline the importance of maintaining a competitive aerospace ecosystem that can support growth, innovation and exports. It is vital that the UK Government is focused on the production of next generation of aircraft to maintain our market share in the coming months.
While manufacturers continue to face supply chain and industrial challenges, the strongest year-to-date delivery performance since 2018 shows progress is being made. Converting the orderbook into aircraft deliveries will be crucial to realising the full economic benefits for the UK and the wider global aerospace industry.”
ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 2000 member businesses. The full economics briefing can be found here.
