Airbus and Boeing set for record-breaking year despite turbulence in the sector
The world’s biggest aeroplane manufacturers are on course for another record-breaking year, new figures show, despite industry turbulence.
Airbus and Boeing delivered 311 planes to customers in the first three months of 2019, one more than the same period last year, ADS said today.
Read more: Senior warns Boeing's 737 Max groundings will hit profits
The trade body said that the two plane makers had shipped 88 wide-bodied aircraft, matching a 2015 record.
The deliveries are estimated to be worth up to £6.5bn to UK industry, ADS said, and a global backlog of 14,107 aircraft could contribute up to £215bn to the British economy over the coming years.
“The aerospace industry has set its sights on another record year for aircraft production, fuelled by strong international demand for modern, technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft,” said ADS chief executive Paul Everitt.
“Production has so far kept pace with a record 2018, but global challenges are generating headwinds for the global aviation and aerospace industries. In Europe Brexit uncertainty is increasing supply chain costs, international trade disputes risk new tariffs and cost-conscious travellers are challenging airline profitability.”
ADS forecasts production will reach 1,789 aircraft this year, up from last year’s record of 1,618.
“We expect another year of impressive aircraft production by historical standards, but the sector’s ambitious targets for 2019 set a stiff test for the global industry.”
It comes as a series of international airlines have gone out of business in recent months.
Read more: The worst may still be yet to come for Boeing, after 737 Max disasters
Two weeks ago Indian carrier Jet Airways was forced to suspend all of its flights after failing to raise the funds it needed to keep planes in the air.
Boeing has also faced troubles. Last month the global fleet of its fast-selling 737 Max plane was grounded after hundreds died in two separate accidents.