Industry alert as aircraft deliveries slump
Aircraft deliveries hit a record low last month as the industry felt the brunt of the Covid-19 emergency.
Releasing the figures, trade organisation ADS, which represents the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, warned that the impact on the industry was expected to be felt for several years before production can be restored to pre-crisis levels.
A total of 20 aircraft deliveries in April marked a record low, made up of 13 singleaisle aircraft and seven widebody planes. The overall aircraft order backlog fell below 14,000 due to cancellations.
However, if demand and production rates are ultimately restored to pre-crisis levels, aircraft orders still represent up to £215 billion in value to the UK, ADS added.
The organisation’s chief executive, Paul Everitt, said: “The aerospace industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and urgent steps need to be taken by the government to protect our highly skilled, high value workforce in every part of the UK.
“This can be done through the UK leading the reopening of international aviation, putting in place additional public support for development of new low carbon technologies, bringing forward defence and space programmes and establishing long-term funding mechanisms to help our supply chain survive and prosper as growth returns to the sector.”
The industry was dealt a major blow last week when aeroengine giant Rolls-royce announced plans to cut thousands of jobs.