Total Shipments Up, But Pistons Slip Yet Again

On Thursday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the third quarter numbers for general aviation shipments and billings. Compared to this time last year, total shipments rose 1.7 percent to 2,909 units, while industry wide billings for new airplanes rose to $15.1 billion.

Shipments of piston engine powered airplanes manufactured worldwide decreased to 1,857 units in the first three quarters of 2007, down from 1,975 airplanes last year. Turboprop shipments increased 14.5 percent, growing from 256 airplanes at this same time in 2006 to 293 units this year. Business jets were also up with shipments totaling 759 units, a 20.9 percent increase.

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce says he's encouraged the piston market isn't taking the news of declining sales lying down.

"This is the third consecutive quarter where growth in the piston market has wavered. We are encouraged, however, by the industry's commitment to strengthening this segment with the introduction of products that will bring new pilots and new customers into this market," said Bunce. "The good news is that our manufacturers in this segment have not reported a noticeable decline in interest in the piston market.

"Overall, we are very pleased that demand remains robust, particularly outside of North America, for general aviation turboprops and business jets and we expect shipments to continue on a strong, upward trend in the months ahead," he added.

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing 60 of the world's manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment. GAMA's members also operate fleets of aircraft, fixed based operations, and pilot training and maintenance training facilities.

FMI: Download The Full Q3 Report (.pdf), www.gama.aero