Aircraft deliveries up a fifth, marking the strongest half-year delivery performance since 2019

• 596 aircraft were delivered in the first six months of 2025, representing a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024
• Over the first half of the year, aircraft orders increased by 141% compared to 2024, totalling 1,162
• The global order backlog has reached a record 16,249 aircraft, increasing by 4% since 2024 and accounting for £255 billion in value to the UK economy

London (27 July 2025) – Commercial aircraft deliveries in the first half of 2025 rose by nearly a fifth compared to the same period in 2024, according to ADS. This marks the strongest January-to-June delivery performance since 2019, with an increase of nearly 100 deliveries compared to the same period last year.

The data, compiled by the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries, reports a 141% increase in aircraft orders during the first half of the year, reaching 1,162. This was driven in part by the strong demand following the Paris Air Show in June which saw 319 aircraft orders made over the month.

The figures also show that the industry’s backlog of aircraft orders has reached a new record high, standing at 16,249 aircraft at the end of June – 4% higher than the first half of 2024. This backlog is estimated to be worth up to £255 billion to the UK economy and 15 years’ worth of work at current production rates, underscoring the long-term value of the UK’s aerospace sector.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS, comments:

“The first half of 2025 paints a positive picture for global aircraft orders and deliveries, demonstrating the sector’s resilience amid ongoing economic and market volatility – including continued uncertainty from the rollout of US tariffs.

However, part of this early momentum may be attributed to inventory-driven deliveries, and there is a possible risk that these may not carry through to the rest of the year. To sustain growth and meet the record backlog demand, the industry urgently needs clarity on tariffs and the implementation of the Industrial Strategy to best support UK supply chains and confidently ramp up production.”

Notes to editors:

• The economic briefing can be read in full here
• The time period of these figures runs from January to June and therefore includes the biennial Paris Air Show.
• Order and delivery figures cover reported deliveries of commercial aircraft by Airbus, Boeing and Comac.
• The backlog only includes aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.
• ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 1,500 member businesses.
• More than 90 per cent of ADS members are SMEs.
• Farnborough International, the world-leading events business responsible for the Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADS Group.