COVID-19 Disruption Keeps Aircraft Deliveries On Hold

THE AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN SEVERELY DISRUPTED BY THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON INTERNATIONAL AVIATION.

In May this year, only nine aircraft orders were recorded, and year-to-date orders have reached 423 to maintain a healthy backlog of 13,779. This is largely due to a record January before the effects of the pandemic were felt.

A 75% decrease in aircraft deliveries has been seen in May, compared to figures produced from the same month last year. The lockdown has resulted in airlines being unable to receive deliveries or having to put them on hold.

The impact of Covid-19 is predicted to have a long-lasting effect on the industry, with orders being affected for months to come while the consequences of the pandemic continue to be felt in aviation and manufacturing.

The industry is now looking towards government for financial support to enable the resumption of flights and to ensure public procurement spending power is best used to support UK industry and the high-value jobs it provides, along with investment in sustainable technology.

Arnold Gad-Briggs, Director of UK-based EGB Engineering, says:

“The industry has faced some serious challenges due to the pandemic and we are expecting a slower restart than other sectors when it comes to the pandemic recovery.

“However, we are seeing positive steps going forward, such as investments in sustainable aviation fuels. But we need to see focused support from the government to protect the thousands of jobs in the aerospace industry, help tackle the crisis recovery, and help us meet the target of net zero by 2050.”