Deliveries of global aircraft down on 2018, says report

GLOBAL aircraft deliveries are falling as Brexit uncertainty affecting the aerospace industry in the UK continues, according to a report today.

Industry body ADS said that deliveries of global aircraft were down 93 on 2018.

There had been 716 by the end of July, with several factors contributing to the slower production rate.

However, while single-aisle aircraft deliveries remained slow, widebodies had set a new July record, taking the overall value to UK industry of aircraft deliveries for 2019 to date to £17bn.

ADS also revised down its forecast for global aircraft deliveries for 2019 from 1,789 to 1,489.

It cited the latest Office for National Statistics Index of Production, which showed a 3.8% fall in aerospace production.

ADS chief executive, Paul Everitt, said: “Aircraft production has slowed this year in the face of headwinds in the UK as fears of a no-deal Brexit loom larger for manufacturers, and from international factors.

“Companies across our £36bn aerospace sector are now faced with the task of preparing for a disorderly Brexit for a second time this year.

“No deal remains the worst outcome for industry, with many small businesses particularly vulnerable.

“A no-deal Brexit will cause significant short-term disruption and leave UK aerospace at a competitive disadvantage.

“The Government must make securing a good deal its top priority, as transport disruption, border delays and a cashflow crisis threaten too many businesses if the country leaves the EU without a deal.”