THE UK aerospace sector has enjoyed a windfall of 10.5bn so far this year after the industry globally delivered 524 aircraft to its customers.

In May alone, there were 118 aircraft deliveries worldwide, the second largest on record behind 2016. The 84 single aisle and 34 widebody aircraft represent a fillip of 2.5bn to UK industry.

Widebody classes of aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 continue to see a rise in delivery rates, with a two per cent increase year-on-year. However, overall deliveries are down slightly on 2016 levels, running 11 aircraft lower than the first five months of last year.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of UK industry body ADS, said: The aerospace sector is one of the UKs greatest industrial success stories, and is on track for another successful year.

In June, the Paris Air Show saw orders announced that will be worth another 13bn to the UK economy. Demand from customers continues to run at high levels, but we must make sure we invest in productivity to guarantee the UKs ability to compete in the years ahead.

A global order backlog remains of 13,312 aircraft and 23,038 engines, expected to be worth up to 210bn to the UK economy over the next decade.

Everitt added: In every part of the country aerospace companies are generating employment and spreading the benefits of growth. We want to see the Government give real backing to supply chains with a renewed commitment to the UKs world-leading Aerospace Industrial Strategy.

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UK aerospace industry is flying high after aircraft deliveries in May near last year's record - City A.M.