Aerospace Growth Forecast to Continue in 2027 as Supply Chain Pressures Challenge UK Industry

Global commercial aerospace revenue is forecast to grow by 11.5% in 2027, but persistent supply chain pressures and concerns over production reliability could make it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to keep pace with demand, according to a new report from Accenture.

The consultancy’s latest Commercial Aerospace Insight Report, published on 22nd October 2026, forecasts a further year of strong growth for the industry, following an estimated 13% increase in global commercial aerospace revenue during 2026.

However, the report highlights a growing challenge for aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers: turning record levels of demand into reliable production and aircraft deliveries.

For the UK, where aerospace manufacturing, engine production, aircraft structures and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services form an important part of the industrial sector, the findings underline both the opportunities presented by the global aviation recovery and the pressures facing the supply chain.

Accenture forecasts that combined Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries will increase by 12% in 2027, as manufacturers continue efforts to increase production rates and address substantial order backlogs.

Supply chain reliability remains a concern

Despite the positive outlook, the report identifies supplier performance as one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Aircraft order backlogs are approaching 60% of the active commercial fleet, significantly above the historical norm of between 30% and 40%. With demand already established, the focus is shifting towards whether manufacturers and their suppliers can deliver aircraft at the required rate without compromising quality or reliability.

Accenture reports that confidence in suppliers’ ability to meet delivery and quality expectations in the near term has fallen to a five-year low.

Nevertheless, 88% of executives surveyed still expect their suppliers to meet or exceed expectations over the next 12 months, suggesting that the industry remains broadly confident despite growing concerns about its readiness for higher production rates.

Bottlenecks affecting engines, aerostructures and manufacturing processes continue to threaten production stability. These constraints can have consequences throughout the supply chain, with delays at individual suppliers potentially affecting aircraft assembly schedules and the delivery of completed aircraft to airlines.

For UK aerospace businesses supplying components, engines, wings and other aircraft systems to international manufacturers, maintaining consistent output will be essential as production rates increase.

The challenge is not simply to expand capacity, but to ensure that additional production can be sustained while maintaining the quality standards demanded by the commercial aviation industry.

UK manufacturers face opportunities and challenges

The outlook presents a significant opportunity for British aerospace manufacturers, particularly those involved in the production of aircraft engines, wings, structures and advanced systems.

The UK has an established position in global aerospace supply chains, supplying equipment and components for commercial aircraft programmes operated by manufacturers around the world. As Airbus and Boeing seek to increase deliveries, their suppliers will need to match those ambitions with sufficient production capacity, skilled personnel and reliable access to materials and components.

However, increased demand does not automatically translate into higher output or improved profitability. Suppliers must be able to invest in manufacturing equipment, workforce development and production processes while managing the risks associated with a complex, internationally connected supply chain.

Accenture’s findings suggest that companies which can improve production reliability and respond quickly to emerging bottlenecks will be better positioned to benefit from the next phase of aerospace growth.

Closer collaboration between aircraft manufacturers and suppliers will also be important, helping businesses identify potential constraints earlier and coordinate production requirements more effectively.

AI and digital technology move up the agenda

The report identifies investment in manufacturing capability and supply chain resilience as priorities for aerospace executives, with artificial intelligence (AI) and data increasingly being used to improve visibility, decision-making and productivity.

Rather than treating digital transformation as a separate initiative, companies are increasingly looking to combine investment in physical production capacity with technology that can help them make better use of existing resources.

Applications include improved supply chain monitoring, production planning and the identification of potential disruptions before they affect manufacturing schedules.

For UK aerospace suppliers, these technologies could offer opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce production delays and manage increasingly demanding customer requirements. However, successful adoption will depend on having the right systems, skills and access to reliable operational data.

Accenture’s survey found that 74% of executives plan to increase production capacity over the next 24 months. The same proportion identified production and delivery growth as a leading priority for capability development.

The findings suggest that investment decisions will increasingly be judged by their ability to deliver measurable improvements in manufacturing performance and delivery reliability.

MRO demand expected to rise

The commercial aerospace outlook also points to continued opportunities in the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector.

Accenture reports that 76% of executives expect MRO spending to increase within the next two years, reflecting the continuing demand for aftermarket services.

For UK maintenance providers, this could support further demand for engine maintenance, component repair, aircraft servicing and other technical support activities.

MRO demand is closely linked to the size and age of the global fleet, as well as the availability of new aircraft. When deliveries are delayed, airlines may need to keep existing aircraft in service for longer, increasing the importance of maintenance capacity and the availability of replacement parts.

At the same time, higher utilisation and a growing installed fleet can create additional requirements for specialist engineering skills, repair facilities and component support.

The expected increase in spending therefore offers opportunities for UK MRO providers, although businesses will need to ensure that they have the workforce, equipment and parts availability required to meet demand.

Growth will depend on execution

Accenture’s research indicates that confidence in the long-term commercial aerospace outlook remains strong, with 85% of surveyed executives expecting industry revenue to grow over the next 24 months.

However, the report makes clear that demand alone will not determine which businesses benefit most from the industry’s expansion.

Manufacturers and suppliers must strengthen production capacity, improve coordination across supply chains and make effective use of digital technology to deliver aircraft and components reliably.

For the UK aerospace sector, the coming years could bring further opportunities across manufacturing and aftermarket services. Realising that potential will depend on the industry’s ability to overcome capacity constraints and turn strong global demand into consistent, dependable output.

With aircraft deliveries forecast to rise again in 2027, the ability to deliver on time and to the required quality standards is becoming as important as securing new business.