The best month of 2018 so far for aircraft deliveries has put the global aerospace industry on track to achieve a new production record this year, according to ADS (www.adsgroup.co.uk) — the premier trade organisation for companies in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

It says August saw 118 commercial aircraft delivered, taking the total for the first eight months of the year to 927, more than 40 ahead of the number for the first eight months of 2017, which turned out to be a record year.

Deliveries in August were the highest achieved in any single month this year, with 93 single-aisle aircraft — including Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s — making up the bulk of the figure.

The UK value of 2018 aircraft deliveries to the endof August is estimated at up to £18 billion, as its aerospace industry supplies vital components like wings and engines for Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier.

The demand for new technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft remains high, with another 104 orders placed in August, keeping the order backlog close to record levels at 14,236.

These aircraft could ultimately be worth up to £220 billion to UK industry, as orders are fulfilled.

ADS chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Aircraft production this year is on track to meet international expectations of a new record.

“UK and European manufacturers are now depending on negotiators in London and Brussels to make sure they can continue to keep up this extraordinary growth in the years ahead.

“Compromises must be made on both sides to reach an agreement that puts prosperity first and protects both UK and EU businesses from a disruptive Brexit.”