The UK aerospace sector marked a major milestone in October 2025, with commercial aircraft manufacturers delivering 132 aircraft—a 67% increase on the same month last year and the strongest October performance since 2018, according to the ADS Group. With year-to-date deliveries now 25% higher than in 2024 and the industry on track to hit ADS’ “high growth” scenario of 1,340 aircraft this year, the surge is sending renewed confidence throughout the UK supply chain.
For ANT Industries, the Atherstone-based aero-engine component specialist, the data underscores the momentum and record performance the business has been building through 2024 and 2025.
“The latest ADS figures absolutely reflect what we’re seeing on the ground,” said Shaun Rowley, Managing Director of ANT Industries. “Aircraft programmes are stabilising, output is rising, and our order pipeline has never been stronger. This is a sector that’s moving forward with real purpose—and ANT is right there with it, delivering the best performance in our 50-year history.”
While new aircraft orders dipped slightly in October—down 12% year-on-year—the global backlog still stands at 16,133 aircraft, representing up to £260bn in value to the UK and more than 16 years of production at current build rates. For ANT, which supplies precision-engineered engine components into long-term civil and defence programmes, the scale of that backlog aligns directly with the company’s growth trajectory.
“A backlog of this size gives the whole industry confidence to invest, to innovate, and to plan for the long term,” Rowley added. “For ANT, it reinforces that our strategy is the right one: building capability, expanding capacity, and supporting customers as flying hours and build rates continue to rise globally.”
Over the past two years, ANT Industries has undertaken a significant programme of operational and technological investment—adding advanced CNC machining centres, upgrading inspection systems, expanding NDT capabilities and strengthening process control across its manufacturing operations. These improvements sit alongside AS9100D accreditation and extended NADCAP approvals that support the company’s work with leading engine OEMs and Tier 1 customers.
ADS’ Chief Economist, Aimie Stone, highlighted the need to maintain delivery stability as the sector enters the final stretch of 2025. ANT Industries has made this a central pillar of its strategy, consistently maintaining high delivery performance despite global supply chain challenges.
“Our customers expect precision, reliability and consistency—and that’s exactly what we’ve built our reputation on,” said Rowley. “The fact that we’re achieving record performance while the sector accelerates only strengthens the trust our global partners place in us.”
With ADS data signalling a robust multi-year market environment driven by long-term aircraft demand, engine overhaul cycles, and the growth of sustainable next-generation aircraft, ANT Industries is preparing for continued expansion.
“Momentum is clearly with UK aerospace right now, and we see enormous opportunity ahead—both in OEM production and in the aftermarket,” Rowley said. “We’re committed to being a long-term partner to the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, contributing to the UK’s global competitiveness and delivering value on every component we produce.”
As 2025 draws to a close, ANT remains focused on controlled, strategic growth—investing in its people, technology and operational excellence to meet rising customer demand and secure its position at the forefront of the UK’s high-value manufacturing sector.
“This is an exciting moment for the entire industry. Our team is proud of the role ANT is playing in the UK aerospace resurgence, and we’re absolutely focused on driving this performance into 2026 and beyond.”