ADS: January aircraft orders up 168% year-on-year
February 26, 2025
Commercial aircraft orders in January 2025 grew 168% compared to January 2024, latest figures from ADS have revealed, with deliveries also up 22% year-on-year – representing “a return of confidence among airline decision-makers, echoing trends seen in 2022 and 2023”.
Compiling reported deliveries of commercial aircraft by Airbus, Boeing and Comac, the 71 units delivered in January 205 represents the highest January delivery rate since 2019. “Following a year of challenges – from supply chain issues, labour shortages and a complex regulatory environment – 2025 shows signs of a much awaited rebound for the sector,” explained Aimie Stone, chief economist at ADS.
Notably, over 90% of January’s deliveries were single aisle aircraft, highlighting the ongoing demand for short-haul travel. Airbus delivered 23 narrowbodies and two widebodies, while recording orders for a further 55. Boeing, meanwhile, delivered 45 aircraft (its best month since December 2023), including 40 737 MAXs, and booked orders for 36 aircraft.
Although January’s figures “provide an encouraging outlook for 2025,” Stone nevertheless urged the need for caution – noting that “for continued growth, global policy coordination, along with support from the business community and governments, will remain crucial”. However, “increased delivery rates highlight the industry’s ongoing focus towards ramping up production,” she concluded.
The backlog among the three main manufacturers (currently standing at 15,834 units) represents up to a decade’s worth of work and up to £258 billion in value for UK industry.
