Record start to 2026 as aircraft orders hit six-year high

• January 2026 aircraft orders increased by three quarters compared with January 2025, marking the strongest January order book in over six years.
• Despite a 7% fall in aircraft deliveries, January’s delivery figures still exceeded those recorded from 2019 to 2025.
• The aircraft backlog has reached a new all‑time high, now standing at 16,456 aircraft.

London (26 February 2026) – Commercial aircraft orders increased by three quarters (71%) in January 2026 compared with the same month in 2025, according to the trade association ADS. With 156 aircraft orders placed across the month, this represents the strongest January order book in over six years, driven largely by a three quarters (78%) year-on-year uplift in single‑aisle aircraft orders as short‑haul travel continues to underpin global demand.

ADS’ latest commercial aircraft data also found that 66 aircraft were delivered in January 2026, just five aircraft fewer compared to January 2025. Deliveries across the month remain higher compared to every January between 2019 and 2025 as the industry continues to navigate a testing international trade environment.

Following a record year in 2025, the global aircraft backlog has now reached a new all‑time high of 16,456 aircraft. At current production rates, this represents at least 13 years of work for the UK’s aerospace supply chain and is estimated to hold a potential value of up to £267 billion for the UK economy.

Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS commented on the figures:

“January 2026 figures offer an encouraging start to 2026, with both orders and deliveries signalling a steady return of confidence across the aerospace market as supply chain pressures and regulatory challenges continue to ease.

“However, with tariff uncertainty continuing to shape the outlook for 2026, supply chains need to be strengthened to ensure they can meet future rate ramp up and delivery demand schedules. This pressure comes while regulators and policymakers need to take action to help manage and mitigate some of the challenges that face the industry.”