UK aerospace industry slows amid no-deal Brexit fears

Global aircraft deliveries for the year reached 716 by the end of July, with several factors leading to a slower production rate than originally forecast.

The total aircraft deliveries now stand at 93 behind the pace set in 2018, with single-aisle aircraft deliveries remaining slow while widebodies set a new July record.

The overall value of global aircraft deliveries to UK industry in 2019 so far is £17 billion.

ADS has revised down its forecast for 2019 global aircraft deliveries from 1,789 to 1,489 following the release of Q2 figures. ONS Index of Production data for Q2 2019, published this month, showed UK aerospace manufacturing, repair and maintenance declined 3.8% in the three months to June.

Aerospace manufacturing experienced little to no change over the first six months of 2019, excluding a spike in March associated with stockpiling, following a 4.5% annual decline in 2018.

The aerospace sector spent an estimated £600 million preparing for Brexit before 29th March, a figure that is expected to rise as new preparations are made for the UK leaving the EU without a deal in October.

ADS chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Aircraft production has slowed this year in the face of headwinds both in the UK as fears of a no-deal Brexit loom larger for manufacturers, and from international factors.

“Companies across our £36 billion aerospace sector are now faced with the task of preparing for a disorderly Brexit for a second time this year. No-deal remains the worst outcome for industry, with many small businesses particularly vulnerable.

“A no-deal Brexit will cause significant short-term disruption and leave UK aerospace at a competitive disadvantage. The Government must make securing a good deal its top priority, as transport disruption, border delays and a cashflow crisis threaten too many businesses if the country leaves the EU without a deal.”