The latest UK aerospace facts and figures from ADS Group show the extent to which companies in the sector serve as the industrial backbone of the UK – delivering the well-paid jobs and high-tech exports we need to secure a prosperous future.
Key takeaways:
- 315 global aircraft orders have been placed, with 337 aircraft delivered by manufacturers, by April 2023
- The latest figures from ADS highlight the 108,000 direct employees in the aerospace sector including 5,200 apprentices
- The sector generates a turnover of £27bn and value add of £10.9bn to the UK economy, with exports worth £18.6bn
Year to date, 315 global aircraft orders have been placed, with 39 orders placed in April 2023. Despite confirmed orders for aircraft being significantly lower than April 2022, orders for wide-body aircraft have increased with 102 wide-body orders placed year to date indicating renewed confidence in the return of long-haul international travel.
Following 80 global aircraft deliveries in April 2023, the year-to-date deliveries total 337 aircraft in the first four months of the year, the highest for global aircraft deliveries in that time since 2019, showcasing the sector’s continued recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“April 2023 aircraft order and delivery figures remain in line with our expectations that aerospace manufacturing will not reach post-pandemic levels until 2024,” said Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS Group.
“One of the biggest issues affecting the aerospace sector’s supply chain is a shortage of labour and skills. Despite sentiment and outlook across the aerospace sector remaining positive, it is essential these shortages are addressed to ensure the success of industries’ long-term plans and activities.”
The backlog of aircraft orders is 13,401 aircraft, a positive marker for the health of the sector, and in the coming years, the backlog could be worth up to £200bn in approximate value to the UK aerospace sector.
The latest figures published by ADS Group showcase exports from the UK aerospace sector being worth £18.6bn in 2022. It further highlights that the UK’s aerospace sector is a hub for advanced manufacturing, supporting well-paid jobs across the country and driving decarbonisation through innovation, generating £27bn in turnover, with value add to the UK economy worth £10.9bn.
ADS’ Aerospace Outlook further showcases that 90 per cent of the 108,000 jobs in the aerospace sector are located outside of London and the Southeast. In addition, with £101,000 output per worker, aerospace sector productivity is 56 per cent higher than the economy average, delivering strategic advantage for the UK.
ADS Group is the UK trade organisation representing the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors, with more than 1,200 member businesses.
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