Monday 25 March 2019 12:01 am | Updated: Monday 03 June 2019 1:20 am

Global aircraft deliveries at highest year-to-date level since 2015

Global aircraft deliveries have hit the highest level since 2015 so far this year, according to the latest figures, however, trade organisation ADS has warned that Brexit could risk the UK’s reputation in the sector.

Last month there were 98 deliveries by global manufacturers and year-to-date deliveries hit 183.

The figures for January and February 2019 saw a 15.1 per cent increase on the first two months of 2018, according to ADS data based on reported deliveries of commercial aircraft by Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier.

Engine orders have also increased 134 per cent to 385 orders in the year to date as airlines prepare for new wide-body planes.

The engine backlog is at a record 26,160, driven by growth in single-aisle engine orders.

Gross orders fell in February but the backlog of aircraft on order books remains at more than 14,000.

Despite the figures, the ADS warned that the UK industry has seen a decline in value of aerospace manufacturing last year and said a no-deal Brexit could cause major disruption within the sector.

ADS chief executive Paul Everitt said: “While the global industry is thriving, UK industry continues to face the all too read threat of a no-deal Brexit.

“As MPs return to parliament to vote on a Brexit deal again this week, we urge the government to remove the threat of No Deal and commit to work with Parliament to secure a new approach.

“The UK has worked hard to build its reputation as home to one of the best aerospace industries in the world.

“Government and Parliament must find a solution to this Brexit crisis without delay or risk our future competitiveness and prosperity.”