What’s Actually Going On in Aerospace Right Now?

If you work in or around the aerospace sector, you’ll know that the industry is no stranger to ups and downs. But May 2025 has delivered numbers that are making everyone stand up and pay attention. Commercial aircraft orders shot up by almost 900 percent compared to May last year. I know – it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. Airbus, Boeing, and Comac together reported 303 new aircraft orders in May, versus just 31 the year before. That is the kind of jump you only see once in a blue moon.

Why Does This Matter For You and Your Business?

Let’s break it down. The aircraft order backlog now stands at more than 16,000 planes for the first time ever. For people up and down the supply chain, from component designers to engineering managers to production line supervisors, this is massive. It means more than just busy months ahead – we’re talking over 15 years of work, built in. For context, sector analysts estimate this backlog is worth well over £250 billion to the UK alone. That’s not to mention the thousands of jobs, apprenticeships, and career-building opportunities coming down the line for professionals at every level.

I’ve talked to people from all parts of the industry who say they can already feel the momentum shifting. Some are ramping up hiring, others are investing in skills training – wherever you sit, it’s clear things are moving quickly.

What’s Driving All These Orders?

It’s tempting to chalk it up to a “post-pandemic recovery” but that’s only half the story. What’s really happening is a mix of catch-up and new demand. Airlines around the world are retiring older jets and bringing in new, greener models to meet stricter environmental targets. At the same time, passenger numbers are bouncing back, sometimes faster than airlines expected. There’s real pressure to replace ageing fleets with more efficient aircraft, and that’s sending manufacturers and their suppliers into overdrive.

Changes on the policy side have helped, too. The easing of tariffs on aerospace parts and the introduction of a new Industrial Strategy have finally given some clarity. After years of uncertainty, that’s a big confidence booster – and you can see it reflected in these order numbers. The global playing field is still tough, though, with unresolved trade deals complicating things for firms who export worldwide.

The Ripple Effect Across the Supply Chain

Let’s talk about what this means for those of you not directly working at the big manufacturers. If you’re anywhere in the supply chain – forging, machining, electronics, interiors, logistics – you’re about to get busier. I’ve spoken with operations leads who are already identifying gaps in their staffing, or flagging bottlenecks in procurement. Ramp-up isn’t instant: you can’t just double your output overnight. But this rising backlog is a real signal to start building capacity for the future.

Maybe you remember the last big ramp-up cycle. There were challenges then, and there’ll be a few this time around as well. Hiring skilled staff is never simple, especially with talent shortages already biting in engineering and production. Even getting raw materials on time has become more difficult lately. The most successful companies will be those who plan ahead – locking in both their workforce and their supplier network now rather than scrambling later.

What’s the Challenge Here?

You might be thinking, “Record numbers are great, but what’s the catch?” That’s a smart question. The biggest headwind right now is uncertainty on the international trade front. Ongoing negotiations between the US and their global partners continue to affect export confidence. If you’re in a role that involves managing overseas contracts, you’ll know exactly how tricky things can get when deals get delayed or trading conditions change with little notice.

Let’s not forget about the drive for sustainability, either. The huge rush for next-generation aircraft brings with it pressure to innovate, reduce emissions, and adopt new production methods. Not every business is ready for that overnight. But if you’re adaptable and open to new skills, you’ll find plenty of ways to get ahead.

Where Might This All Lead?

So what does this all add up to for you? If there was ever a time to get serious about your next career move or talent plan, it’s now. The next few years are set to be some of the most interesting this industry has seen in a long time. More orders mean more work, more innovation, and more opportunity – provided you’re ready to take it on.

Maybe you’re just exploring or maybe you’re actively looking for the next challenge. Even if you’re settled in your current role, it’s worth taking stock of the new landscape and what it could mean for your professional future. Your expertise is going to be valued more than ever as the sector grows.

Keen to Discuss What’s Next?

If you want to chat about the market, bounce around a few ideas, or just get a sense of where things are heading, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re curious about opportunities for yourself or your team or you simply want to keep your finger on the pulse, feel free to get in touch. Let’s talk through what these changes might mean for you and how to make the most of this new era for aerospace.

Drop me a line and let’s see where your experience could take you as the industry steps up to meet record-breaking demand.