UK aircraft manufacturing on track to deliver another record year
- Record Q3 has pushed aircraft production levels higher than 2015 for the first time this year
- Figures driven by record single aisle delivery production, up 32% over five years
- 353 new aircraft rolled off the global production line
Aircraft production rates for the third quarter of 2016 show the UK’s aerospace industry is on track to deliver another record year of aircraft production, contributing nearly £7bn to the UK economy.
A change in manufacturing processes with the introduction of new aircraft types meant a slow start to 2016; however a late surge means the industry is on track to guarantee a sixth consecutive year of record-breaking delivery rates.
Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group, commented: “Year-on-year aerospace increases its contribution to the UK’s economy, demonstrating the value of investment in R&D, skills and productivity improvementsdelivered through the Aerospace Growth Partnership.
“The UK’s aerospace industry is seeing demand for new aircraft with 13,235 orders on the books worth more than £200bn to the UK’s national economy. International competition for this high-skill work is fierce; however the resilience shown by the industry this year sends a strong signal about the ability of UK companies throughout the supply chain to compete globally.”
“It is hoped this year’s Autumn Statement will deliver a boost to funding for a key AGP initiative, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). The ATI is helping to encourage private sector investment in valuable R&D programmes. It is currently receiving far more high quality bids than it can resource. Extra Government funding would bring a major boost to UK capability and help UK businesses prepare for major new aerospace opportunities.”
