Billings Up Over 12 Percent

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced Friday that shipments and billings of general aviation airplanes achieved a solid first quarter for 2007 following last year's strong numbers.

GAMA tells ANN shipments of general aviation airplanes for the first three months of this year totaled 842 units -- in line with last year's 847 airplanes -- while industry-wide billings were $4.5 billion, up an impressive 11.3 percent.

"The first quarter shows that we are sustaining the delivery rates of last year and are maintaining announced production schedules," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. "Our industry is working hard to ensure that this momentum is maintained and that general aviation continues to shine as a bright spot of the manufacturing community."

Piston-engine airplane shipments totaled 554 units compared to 600 units delivered in the first quarter of 2006, a 7.7 percent decrease from last year. Turboprop shipments increased from 59 units during this first period last year to 77 units in 2007. Business jet shipments were 211, a 12.2 percent increase over the 188 units delivered through the first three months in 2006.

"Markets outside North America continue to account for nearly half of total business jet shipments," said Bunce. "As other nations and regions continue to experience strong economic growth, we feel our industry will continue to enjoy robust shipments throughout 2007."

FMI: www.gama.aero