The latest commercial aircraft data from ADS highlights that 2025 saw the highest peak in aircraft deliveries in seven years. According to ADS, the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. 25% more aircraft were delivered in 2025 than in 2024 – at 1,411 compared with 1,128 the previous year, according to ADS figures.
Alongside a record delivery landscape, data from ADS found that 2,175 aircraft orders were placed in 2025, representing a sharp 50% year-on-year increase compared to the previous year as the appetite for aircraft continues to rebound.
ADS also reports that, for the second consecutive year, the aircraft backlog has reached a record high, standing at 16,371 aircraft. This increase was driven largely by a 24% rise in the widebody aircraft backlog compared to 2024.
The backlog, which accounts for more than 13 years of work for the UK’s aerospace sector, is now estimated to be worth up to £269 billion to the UK at current production rates.
Record deliveries
Despite the supply chain headwinds seen throughout 2025, the industry exceeded ADS’ ‘high growth’ aircraft delivery scenario of 1,340 aircraft in 2025 by an additional 71 deliveries.
The total number of deliveries in 2025 comprised 1,165 single-aisle aircraft (an increase of 22% compared to the 956 delivered in 2024); and 246 widebody aircraft (43% more than the 2024 delivery figure of 172).
Commenting on the figures, Aimie Stone, chief economist at ADS said: “2025 proved to be a positive year for the aerospace sector, despite supply chain challenges and a testing geopolitical climate. The second half of the year in particular delivered stronger than expected results, with deliveries 5% above the ADS ‘high growth scenario’ for 2025.
“As confidence in the aerospace sector also continues to rise following a drive in aircraft orders, it is vitally important that over the next year, governments around the world work together to create a stable regulatory, policy, and investment environment that allows our sector to thrive.”
Commenting on the outlook for the sector, Balaji Srimoolanathan, director for aerospace and the Aerospace Growth Partnership at ADS added: “The aerospace sector has always been at the cutting edge of innovation, setting ourselves ambitious targets and adhering rigorously to the highest quality and safety standards. While the global climate is increasingly unstable and supply chain challenges continue, major manufacturers have ramped-up production to surpass their expected delivery capability.
“As the skies begin to clear for aerospace manufacturers, 2026 will be an important moment to strengthen the UK’s supply chain and to act decisively to ensure our sector remains competitive.”
