Commercial aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) grew by 22 per cent year-on-year in 2012.

The figures come from PwC UK's annual report on the aerospace industry. It found OEMs for commercial aircraft have seen business improve more than other equipment manufacturers sectors. Aircraft engine manufacturers, for instance, went up by ten per cent, while defence aircraft OEMs had an upturn of just two per cent.

Director of PwC's aerospace strategy team Anna Sargeant said: "Strong demand for commercial aviation is buoyed by economic growth in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America."

This year also marked the first time in the survey's 16-year history that Chinese companies made the top 100 list. This includes the Aviation Industry Corporation of China - which featured in the top 40 for revenue and top ten for growth figures.

Boeing was the biggest firm reported overall, with Boeing Commercial Airplanes experiencing growth of 35 per cent. Earlier this month, it predicted China's air-fleet would expand threefold in 20 years, adding to the country's demand for commercial aircraft.