Most Numbers Are Up Over 25%

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the third quarter numbers for general aviation shipments and billings today. Compared with last year at this time, shipments rose 25.7 percent to 2,423 units, while industry wide billings for new airplanes rose to $10.4 billion.

“Our industry is very satisfied with the positive numbers so far this year. This is an affirmation that the efficiency and advanced capabilities of general aviation products are very attractive to markets around the world,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.

• Shipments of piston-powered airplanes manufactured worldwide increased to 1,685 units in the first three quarters of 2005, up from last year’s 1,342.
• Turboprop shipments increased from 194 airplanes in the first three quarters of 2004 to 228 this year.
• Business jets were also up with total shipments for three quarters increasing 30.4 percent, from 391 units last year to 510 units this year.

“Even though we have reasons to believe that general aviation will continue to experience positive growth, we remain concerned about challenges; the high price of fuel, access to airports and airspace, and the FAA reauthorization debate are issues that can impact our continued recovery,” Bunce added.

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing over 50 of the world's leading 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: www.GAMA.aero