With global aircraft orders reaching record levels, electrical control systems specialist Banelec believes greater investment in factory automation and intelligent manufacturing technology could help Britain’s aerospace supply chain increase production and capitalise on growing international demand.
The global commercial aircraft order backlog reached a record 17,037 aircraft in July 2026, according to figures published by aerospace trade body ADS, creating a substantial opportunity for manufacturers throughout the industry. Yet translating those orders into completed aircraft presents a considerable challenge. A recent report by Roland Berger, produced in collaboration with ADS and European aerospace associations, identifies material shortages, workforce pressures and production capacity among the principal constraints facing the sector.
For Banelec Managing Director Dean Banner, the findings strengthen the case for investment in smart factories, automated production processes and advanced electrical control systems.
“The aerospace industry has an extraordinary order book, and British manufacturers have a tremendous opportunity to benefit from that demand,” said Banner.
“The question is how we increase manufacturing capacity while maintaining the quality, precision and reliability that aerospace customers expect. We believe automation has a major role to play in achieving that.” The report, The Global Aerospace Supply Chain in 2026, surveyed 95 aerospace companies and found that 55% continue to experience material shortages, while around 80% anticipate constraints involving critical raw materials.
Workforce availability and the investment required to expand production were also identified as significant challenges. Banner believes intelligent automation offers manufacturers an opportunity to improve productivity within their existing facilities, particularly where repetitive processes, material handling and production monitoring can be integrated into more efficient manufacturing systems.
“Every manufacturer wants to get the greatest possible productivity from its equipment and people,” he explained.
“Through well-designed electrical control systems, PLC programming and automation integration, businesses can improve production consistency, reduce cycle times and make much better use of their existing machinery. An automated production line can operate with remarkable precision, while intelligent monitoring gives manufacturers greater visibility of performance and helps identify opportunities to improve efficiency.”
Smart factory technology brings together machinery, industrial control systems, sensors and production data to create a more connected manufacturing environment Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and automated process controls enable manufacturers to coordinate equipment, monitor operating conditions and introduce greater flexibility into production.
For aerospace suppliers, where traceability, repeatability and quality assurance are central to manufacturing operations, these capabilities offer particular advantages. Banelec specialises in the design, manufacture and integration of electrical control systems, supporting customers with bespoke automation solutions and the modernisation of existing industrial equipment.
The company believes that integrating new control technology into established manufacturing operations can provide a practical route towards increased capacity.
“Smart manufacturing is about understanding how individual processes work together and using technology to make the entire operation more productive,” Banner continued.
“Sometimes that involves developing a completely new automated system. In other cases, upgrading an existing control panel, introducing PLC technology or connecting equipment to a central monitoring system can deliver meaningful improvements. Our role is to work closely with customers, understand their production requirements and develop control systems that support their long-term ambitions.”
The aerospace industry’s production challenge extends throughout its international supplier network, with smaller specialist manufacturers facing growing pressure to increase output. For these businesses, automation can provide a means of scaling production while making effective use of skilled employees, available factory space and existing capital equipment.
Automated inspection, process monitoring and material handling can also allow experienced engineers to concentrate on more technically demanding activities.
Banelec, which has recently joined the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, sees considerable potential for electrical engineering and automation specialists to contribute to the sector’s next phase of growth.
“The Midlands has an exceptional concentration of aerospace manufacturers, engineering expertise and specialist suppliers,” said Banner. “With the right investment in automation, these businesses have the potential to increase their productivity and strengthen their position in global supply chains. We are particularly interested in helping manufacturers understand how practical improvements to their control systems can support greater output and future expansion.”
ADS reported that 794 commercial aircraft were delivered globally during the first seven months of 2026, representing the strongest January-to-July performance since 2018 With manufacturers preparing for sustained increases in aircraft production, investment in factory capability is expected to remain a priority throughout the supply chain Banner believes the transition towards smarter, more connected manufacturing will be central to meeting that demand.
“Britain has the engineering expertise and manufacturing heritage to play a significant part in the next generation of aerospace production,” he concluded. “Automation gives us the opportunity to build on those strengths, improve productivity and create manufacturing operations capable of responding to growing demand. For Banelec, it is an exciting time to be supporting British industry. We want to help manufacturers develop the intelligent, efficient factories that will underpin their growth for years to come.”