Commercial aircraft deliveries reached a record high in May as strong global demand continued to drive growth across the aerospace sector, leaving UK manufacturers with an order backlog worth up to £388bn.
New figures from ADS, the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries, show that 142 commercial aircraft were delivered during May 2026 – a 45% increase compared with the same month last year and the highest May delivery figure on record.
Aircraft orders also climbed sharply, rising 34% year-on-year to 406 during the month. The increase was largely driven by demand for single-aisle aircraft, with orders surging 160% compared with May 2025.
The strong performance means manufacturers have received 1,139 aircraft orders during the first five months of 2026 – 35% higher than the same period last year and the highest January-to-May total since ADS records began.
For the UK’s aerospace supply chain, the figures point to a healthy long-term pipeline. The global commercial aircraft backlog now stands at a record 16,909 aircraft, representing around 12 years of work at current production rates and an estimated value of between £336.5bn and £388bn for the UK aerospace sector.
ADS said six of the past 12 months have recorded all-time high backlog figures, underlining both the strength of demand and the ongoing supply chain pressures facing manufacturers.
The data also highlighted continued strength in aircraft engines. Engine orders increased by 85% year-on-year to 652 during May, while engine deliveries rose 45% to 284. Total engine backlog reached another record high of 31,380 units.
Despite the challenging geopolitical and economic climate, the global aerospace sector has maintained a resilient growth trajectory across both orders and deliveries. Demand for the sector remains strong while the industry works through ongoing supply chain challenges.
If the industry is to continue building on this progress, global policy coordination, alongside continued support from governments and the business community, will remain crucial.
Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS
While the outlook remains positive, ADS said it is continuing to withhold a full-year deliveries forecast because of ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty, adding that it will review its position at the half-year point.
Nevertheless, the latest figures reinforce the long-term strength of the commercial aerospace market and provide a positive outlook for UK manufacturers, with sustained demand expected to support production, investment and employment across the country’s extensive aerospace supply chain for years to come.
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