Best Q3 for global aircraft orders since 2015
- A strong third quarter for global aircraft orders signals a continuation of long-term recovery for the aerospace sector and the continuing return of market confidence.
- 1,398 aircraft have been ordered so far in 2022, a 43 per cent increase year-to-date compared to 2021.
- Global deliveries remain on-track with the ADS forecast of 997 aircraft by the end of 2022.
The third quarter of 2022 has seen a continuation to the strong orderbook of commercial aircraft seen throughout 2022. The three months saw 670 global aircraft orders placed, the highest Q3 figures since 2015 and a 43 per cent increase year-to-date.
In line with post-pandemic recovery expectations, demand for single-aisle aircraft continues to dominate the market recovery with 601 aircraft ordered, though in Q3 orders for wide-body aircraft increased by 60 per cent with 69 aircraft ordered.
Aircraft manufacturers delivered 252 aircraft in Q3 2022, which surpasses Q3 2021 deliveries by 19 per cent and takes the total year to date aircraft deliveries to 765 aircraft. In Q3 2022 deliveries for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft increased at 13 per cent and 55 per cent respectively. If a delivery average of 85 aircraft per month continues for the remainder of the year, 2022 deliveries could surpass the ADS forecast and reach 1,000 deliveries.
Flight data at the end of the quarter continues to show signs of recovery with UK flight arrivals at a 16 per cent reduction from comparable data at the end of September 2019. 2022 recovery has been on an upward trend since June driven by key calendar events such as summer holidays and the easing of international travel restrictions.
The backlog of aircraft remains above 13,000 for the tenth consecutive month, rising with demand and market confidence with 5 per cent growth on Q3 2021 and represents many years’ worth of manufacturing worth a potential £217 billion to the UK aerospace sector.
ADS Chief Executive, Kevin Craven said:
“We are seeing the best Q3 for aircraft orders since 2015 - a very welcome indication that long-term recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues at pace.
“In addition, the possibility of aircraft deliveries exceeding 1,000 aircraft for the first time since 2019 demonstrates our manufacturers are absorbing the recent production rate ramp ups.
“Nevertheless, the global operating environment remains tempestuous with continuing supply chain issues and rising costs associated with raw materials and energy creating ongoing challenges for the sector.”