GA Shipments Worldwide Up 4.3 Percent, Bunce Says In Annual 'State Of The Industry' News Conference

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the worldwide 2014 year-end aircraft billing and shipment numbers at its annual "State of the Industry" press conference at the Newseum. While some segments reported strong deliveries, some, particularly helicopters, saw declines.

GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce reported that, for the year, total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments rose 4.3 percent, from 2,353 units in 2013 to 2,454 units in 2014. Billings for GA airplanes worldwide increased to $24.5 billion, up 4.5 percent from $23.4 billion in 2013. This fixed-wing billings increase marks the second-largest sales value recorded after 2008, when billings were $24.8 billion.

Shipments of piston-engine airplanes were positive, rising 9.6 percent in 2014. Business jet shipments also rose 722 units, an increase of 6.5 percent from the 678 business jets shipped in 2013. Turboprop shipments declined, however, by 6.5 percent to 603 units. Rotorcraft shipments slowed for both piston and turbine aircraft compared to the previous year. A total of 230 rotorcraft and 741 turbine rotorcraft were shipped in 2014, which is a 31.3 percent and a 22.4 percent reduction, respectively, from the strong deliveries posted in 2013.

"The mixed results among segments indicate that the general aviation manufacturing industry is still facing headwinds given the tepid U.S. economic recovery and the political and economic uncertainties in Europe," GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said.

"The 2014 year-end numbers make crystal clear the need for GAMA's priorities in 2015 - specifically, reform that facilitates the introduction of new safety-enhancing products to market, reduces the inconsistent application of regulations, and strengthens the global engagement and cooperation among aviation authorities. We will continue to press forward on these issues, especially as the FAA reauthorization moves forward this year in the U.S. Congress and major general aviation regulatory change takes shape in Europe."

GAMA notes that AgustaWestland 2014 Q4 data was not available at the time of publication, but will be released on March 18, 2015. For the purpose of comparison in this table, GAMA has removed 2013 Q4 data for AgustaWestland.

FMI: Shipments by Quarter