Record set for commercial aircraft deliveries

There was a 7.5% uplift in Q1 aircraft deliveries compared to the same period last year and a 35% increase on Q1 in 2011. According to the ADS, 302 single-aisle and wide-body aircraft were delivered in the first three months of the year. The ADS said: "The figures put the global industry in a strong position as it looks to the rest of the year, with experts predicting the order backlog – currently standing at 11,318 aircraft and 20,202 engines – will continue to grow as orders come in throughout the course of the year. "The order backlog is thought to equate to around nine year's work in hand for companies in the UK, offering much-needed security to many thousands of aerospace companies and workers, as well as the broader UK economy." Paul Everitt, chief executive of aerospace trade organisation, ADS Group added: "Aerospace manufacturers are working hard to respond to the current and projected future increase in demand. "The Aerospace Industrial Strategy and the work of the Aerospace Growth Partnership is helping to secure investment in technology, skills and facilities to improve efficiency and access opportunities in markets around the world." Meanwhile, engine orders increased by 60% in Q1 2014 and deliveries were up 7% compared to a year ago