The third quarter of 2017 saw deliveries of new civil aircraft reach the highest level ever recorded for the period.

Production rates were 30% higher than five years ago, and the total number of aircraft on order books was 50% higher, as long-term growth in the sector continues.

Manufacturers saw 260 single-aisle aircraft and 94 wide-bodies roll off the production lines. The total value to UK industry of these deliveries is estimated at up to £7 billion, with wide-bodies forming the largest component at £4-4.5 billion.

The strong third quarter means that 1,018 aircraft were delivered in the first nine months of the year, worth an estimated £20 billion in total to UK companies.

Paul Everitt, CEO of trade body ADS (www.adsgroup.org.uk), said: “This has been a strong three months for the global aerospace industry and for UK manufacturers.

"Following the annual record for deliveries set in 2016, there has been no slackening in the pace of production this year, and we expect to see it continuing to rise in the years ahead.”