The UK aerospace sector has already generated exports worth £18.6 billion in 2023 bolstered by an increase in aircraft production and global orders.
The data from ADS Group, the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, shows that so far this year 315 airliners have been ordered globally from manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, ATR and Embraer with 337 aircraft being delivered.
This comes despite confirmed orders for April 2023 being significantly lower than the same period in 2022 but where as single-aisle airlines provided the boost last year, this year sees wide-body aircraft providing an increase with 102 ordered to date.
“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.”
Both Airbus and Boeing have major manufacturing facilities in the UK such as the Airbus’ wing manufacturing facility at Broughton, North Wales which produces the wings for all Airbus A3XX airliners.
Other giants in the UK include Rolls-Royce which produces aerospace engines.
It isn’t just the giants though, many smaller companies across the UK produce vital components for the airline industry such as seating from Northamptonshire based Acro Aircraft Seating, or Cotswold Airport based Air Salvage International which dismantles and recycles aircraft from around the globe.
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