Aircraft manufacturers are aiming to set a new production record in 2018, targeting the delivery of 1,722 wide-body and single-aisle aircraft this year — 15% more than the record 1,498 delivered in 2017.

A new production record would make this year the eighth consecutive annual record for aircraft deliveries.

Rising production forecasts have been driven by manufacturers’ plans to accelerate the delivery rates of major single-aisle aircraft like the Airbus A320 family, Boeing’s 737 series and Bombardier’s C Series.

The first month of 2018 saw 71 aircraft delivered and 48 ordered, putting the backlog on order books at 14,267.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS — the trade organisation for companies in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors — said: “The aerospace industry is striving to reach new heights of production, as we respond to rising demand around the world.

“Manufacturers in the UK and elsewhere are stepping up to meet the challenge of giving customers cleaner and more-fuel-efficient planes to serve growing markets.

“Last year saw new records set in orders and production, and I am confident that further improvements in capacity, efficiency and productivity in the UK supply chain will see further records set in 2018.”