Some £47 billion worth of business has been agreed this week at the Farnborough International Airshow 2010, just above half the figure seen in 2008.
According to the air show's figures, 2008 was a boom year, when the show saw $88.7 billion worth of orders.
The show has already beaten 2006 figures however, when $46 billion of orders were taken.
Ian Godden, chairman of ADS, which organises the event, said the amount of business being done at Farnborough is "very encouraging" given the current global climate.
"The figures demonstrate the mood of strong optimism that there has been around the show this year," he said.
"The quality of the business transactions at the show is a testament to the endurance of our sectors."
The business at the show included $28 billion of orders for Airbus. The aircraft manufacturer announced it has received commitments for 255 aircraft, and memorandum of understanding agreements for a further 122.
Virgin America placed one of the largest orders with Airbus, for 40 A320s, worth $3.3 billion.
Farnborough is the world's largest temporary exhibition, with 90,000 sqm of structures built on site.
The show played host to Boeing's new B787 Dreamliner, the first time the aircraft has been on public display.