A record backlog of more than 17,000 commercial aircraft demonstrates “resilience” but would take more than 12 years to clear, according to trade association ADS.
The latest figures from ADS for July 2026 reveal that a post-pandemic surge in air travel has pushed the global aircraft order backlog to a record 17,037 planes.
Commenting on the figures, ADS chief executive Kevin Craven stated that these results reflect “remarkable resilience and long-term strength” of the market, and a “significant opportunity for the UK’s world-leading aerospace sector.”
Its data shows that airlines placed 242 orders in July 2026 alone, more than five times the 38 orders recorded in July 2025. This equates to 187 single-aisle aircraft, a 467% increase on July 2025, and 55 widebody aircraft, up 1,000% compared to July 2025.
This intense demand for single-aisle models is mirrored in the year-to-date figures, with 1,261 narrowbody orders placed over the first seven months of 2026.
Overall, 1,573 aircraft orders...