• 132 aircraft were delivered in October 2025, an increase of two thirds compared to October 2024
  • October 2025 aircraft orders fell by 12% compared to the same month last year, marking the lowest order number in the month for four years
  • 16,133 aircraft orders are now on backlog, which equates to over £260 billion to the UK economy at current production rates

 

London (2 December 2025) – Commercial aircraft manufacturers delivered 132 aircraft in October 2025, increasing by two thirds (67%) compared to October 2024. According to ADS, this marks the highest number of aircraft deliveries for the month of October since 2018.

Despite a positive delivery landscape, data from the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries also found that 127 aircraft orders were placed during October 2025, down 12% on the same month last year and the lowest October monthly figure since 2021.

ADS highlights that the global backlog of aircraft orders now stands at 16,133. At current production rates, the backlog is valued at up to £260 billion to the UK economy and will sustain over 16 years’ worth of work for the UK aerospace sector.

Year-end deliveries on track for record delivery ramp-up

Following the month of October, deliveries made across 2025 have now totalled 1,092 aircraft, a 25% increase compared to the same point last year.

With year-to-date deliveries continuing to show a strong performance, the industry remains on track to achieve ADS’ ‘high growth’ scenario of 1,340 aircraft deliveries by the end of the year.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS comments:

“October’s delivery figures signal that the industry is moving towards a more stable and sustained delivery drumbeat. The priority now is to maintain this momentum through to the final stretch of 2025.”

It is vital that government policy supports this progress rather than burdens the industry with an uncertain business environment. This is a pivotal moment to strengthen the UK’s aerospace supply chain and to act decisively to ensure our sector remains competitive.”

 

Notes to editors:

  • The full economics brief can be read here.
  • Data for the month of October takes into account orders and deliveries of aircraft made between 1 and 31 October 2025.
  • Order announcements made outside of this period – including the Dubai Airshow – have not been accounted for in this cycle.
  • ADS’ ‘high growth scenario’ reports 1,340 aircraft delivered by year-end – a 20% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.
  • ADS’ ‘medium growth scenario’ reports 1,240 aircraft delivered by year-end – a 10% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.
  • ADS’ ‘modest growth scenario’ reports 1,172 aircraft delivered by year-end – a 4% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.
  • Order and delivery figures cover reported deliveries of commercial aircraft by Airbus, Boeing and Comac.
  • The backlog only includes aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.