LONDON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A British aerospace industry group said 2013 was a record year for commercial aerospace in the country, with orders for aircraft rising 28 percent over 2012.

A new monthly commercial aircraft and engine orders tracker also indicates that new orders have increased the backlog to more than 11,000 aircraft and 20,000 engines and that the continuity of demand will support many thousands of high value, skilled jobs in Britain, the ADS Group said.

"Global demand for new aircraft and engines is generating new demand and opportunity for the U.K. aerospace industry," said Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS. "The 7 percent increase in new aircraft deliveries and the 17 percent increase in the aircraft order book makes 2013 one of the most successful years on record.

"To maintain the U.K.'s share of this fast growing market we must increase investment in technology, innovation and skills."

ADS said key findings from its data are: annual commercial aircraft orders rose to a record 3,182, almost 50 percent of which are for new aviation programs; Aircraft order backlog increased by 17 percent; Aircraft deliveries in 2013 rose by 7 percent year on year; 2,646 engines were delivered in 2013; and nearly 5,000 engine orders were placed.

"These figures highlight the opportunities for growth in the aerospace industry and the potential rewards that British businesses could reap," said Britain's Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable. "That is why government and industry are forming a long-term partnership to keep Britain at the forefront of the global aerospace market.

"Together we have committed 2 billion pounds (about $3.3 billion) over the next seven years to create an Aerospace Technology Institute to help us win work on developing and building the planes and helicopters of the future, here in the U.K."

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2013 good year for Britain's commercial aerospace sector