In its first monthly report on commercial aircraft orders, trade body ADS has shown that UK orders jumped by 28% last year.
Trade body ADS has released data which shows 2013 was a record year for the UK aerospace industry, with orders for commercial aircraft increasing by more than a quarter compared to 2012.
The figures also show that there is also now a backlog of commercial aircraft orders which includes 11,000 aircraft and 20,000 engines. The backlog ensures a pipeline of work and secure jobs in the UK aerospace sector for up to nine years according to ADS.
Commenting on the data, Business Secretary Vince Cable commented: “These figures highlight the opportunities for growth in the aerospace industry and the potential rewards that British businesses could reap.”
Dr Cable pointed to collaborative work between UK government and industry to ensure these opportunities are optimised. “Together we have committed £2 billion over the next seven years to create an Aerospace Technology Institute to help us win work on developing and building the planes and helicopters of the future, here in the UK.
“The Aerospace Industrial Strategy, which Government has developed jointly with industry, is giving businesses the confidence to invest in the UK, creating more high-skilled, long-term jobs.”
ADS representatives will speak in more detail about what these figures mean to the UK aerospace supply chain at the ADS Annual Dinner which is being held in London tonight.
Ahead of this membership event Paul Everett, CEO of ADS said: “Global demand for new aircraft and engines is generating new demand and opportunity for the UK aerospace industry.
“The seven per cent increase in new aircraft deliveries and the 17 per cent increase in the aircraft order book makes 2013 one of the most successful years on record.”
Mr Everitt cautioned however, that to maintain the UK’s share of the rapidly growing global commercial aerospace market investment in technology, innovation and skills must increase.
“The Aerospace Growth Partnership and the government’s long-term commitment to the sector’s growth is making a difference and we must continue to maximise the value of this unique collaboration between industry and government,” Everitt concluded.
Based on today’s market information, ADS predicts that by 2032 more than 29,000 new large civil airliners, 24,000 business jets, 5,800 regional aircraft and 40,000 helicopters will be required.
The UK specialises in the development and manufacture of some of the most complicated and high tech parts of modern aircraft, so this requirement means a potential market share of around $600bn for the UK.
Key findings from the first monthly ADS report on commercial aircraft orders
- Annual commercial aircraft orders rose to a record 3,182, almost 50% of which are for new programmes
- Aircraft order backlog increased by 17%
- Aircraft deliveries in 2013 rose by 7% year on year, delivering a value of up to £20bn in value to the UK
- Record 2,646 engines delivered in 2013 and almost 5,000 engine orders placed
