Northern Ireland’s aerospace supply chain is seeing renewed momentum as demand for new aircraft and cabin retrofit programmes strengthens.
ADS data shows commercial aircraft orders rose by 83% in February 2026, the strongest February performance in three years, signalling improved market confidence and fresh opportunities for specialist manufacturers.
Against that backdrop, IPC Mouldings in Carrickfergus, The Exact Group in Newry and Bradfor Ltd in Rostrevor are among the Northern Ireland businesses benefiting from the upturn. With the UK accounting for more than 30% of global aircraft seat production and over 7% of aircraft cabin interiors output, the region remains closely aligned with demand across the interiors segment.
The three companies have reported continued growth, supported by investment in innovation, process improvement and customer delivery, while adapting to more demanding sustainability requirements across the sector.
IPC director Graeme Bennett said the company’s technical plastic components and assemblies for aircraft seating are now used in more than two million commercial aircraft seats worldwide, with demand continuing to be supported by retrofit and cabin upgrade activity.
He said the milestone reflected the capability of the business and reinforced its focus on innovation and sustainable manufacturing as aerospace demand recovers.
The Exact Group, which supplies high-precision CNC components, advanced coatings and engineered solutions, has also expanded its aerospace footprint, securing additional Tier 1 and OEM business.
Ronan Callan, director of operations at The Exact Group, said the company had delivered major programmes for global aerospace manufacturers, including through its role as a certified applicator of Cerakote since 2021.
He said the advanced coating is helping customers support net zero objectives by reducing processing time, lowering cost and cutting component weight. Over the past four years, he added, the company has built strong momentum in aircraft interiors and secured key contracts.
Bradfor Ltd, based in Rostrevor, is marking 30 years of supplying aircraft textiles and seat components to airlines worldwide, building a long-standing position in a competitive global interiors market.
Francis McCartan, product development and account manager at Bradfor Ltd, said the company’s performance had been underpinned by technical expertise and dependable delivery, with a focus on high-quality, value-added products and services.
All three companies showcased their capabilities at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, one of the sector’s key international events for suppliers and buyers in the cabin interiors market.
Bennett said the rise in aircraft orders and deliveries pointed to renewed confidence across aviation, but added that sustaining growth would depend on how effectively the industry manages supply chain pressures and improves resilience in a volatile operating environment.
ipcmouldings.com
exactgroupni.com
bradfor.co.uk