Aircraft deliveries take to skies

Britain’s aerospace industry has received a boost after chalking up its best October on record with 120 aircraft delivered during the month.

Figures released today reveal deliveries of 87 single aisle and 33 wide-body aircraft in October, taking year-to-date deliveries to a total of 1,138.

Last month’s deliveries are worth up to £2.4 billion to UK industry through its various manufacturers and suppli- ers, and those for the first ten months of the year are worth up to £22bn as British firms continue to benefit from an upturn in global production.

The encouraging delivery figures come in the wake of a record-breaking Dubai Airshow, which saw new orders and commitments for up to 746 aircraft announced by manufacturers.

Before November’s orders are taken into account, the commercial aircraft backlog stands at 13,365, which will be worth some £210bn to UK industry as they are built and delivered in the coming years.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of trade organisation ADS Group, said: “The global aerospace industry is on an upward trajectory and companies in the UK are an integral part of its ongoing success.

“With £22bn in value to the UK from more than 1,100 aircraft delivered this year, aerospace is making an ever greater contribution to our national prosperity. Our aerospace industry is the envy of our global competitors.”