Industry 'Optimistic' For A Turnaround In 2011
The General Aviation Manufacturers
Association (GAMA) has announced the 2010 worldwide shipments and
billings of general aviation airplanes.
Speaking at GAMA's "State of the Industry" press conference,
GAMA Chairman John Rosanvallon, president and CEO of Dassault
Falcon, reported that the global economic downturn continued to
negatively impact general aviation manufacturers in 2010, but that
signs of a recovery have started to emerge. "Our industry
experienced another challenging year that required many
manufacturers to continue to make careful decisions about
production schedules, employment and product development," said
Rosanvallon.
"However, despite the pain caused by the downturn, we are now
seeing strong GDP growth on a global level and corporate profits
are up. This bodes well for general aviation's future as shipments
have traditionally lagged an economic recovery by one to two
years."
Rosanvallon also underscored other indicators that point to a
turnaround. He added, "Markets other than North America and Europe
are leading the global recovery, flying hours are steadily on the
rise, and there are two critical U.S. tax provisions in place that
will help our industry recover."
He concluded, "Two areas of concern continue to be the sluggish
used market and the lack of third-party financing, especially for
the middle and light end of the business jet segment, as well as
turboprops and piston engine powered airplanes."
Worldwide shipments of general aviation airplanes declined for
the third year in a row to a total of 2,015 units, an 11.4 percent
decrease over the previous year's total of 2,274 airplanes.
Worldwide general aviation billings, nevertheless, rose by 1.2
percent in 2010 to $19.7 billion. 2010 was the third best year ever
for total industry billings, which was driven by deliveries of
long-range, large-cabin aircraft. This part of the business jet
segment remained relatively stable during the recession with their
delivery rates actually increasing in 2010.
The piston airplane segment shipped a total of 889 units in
2010, compared to 963 units in 2009, a 7.7 percent decline. The
turboprop sector was down 17.7 percent, shipping 363 units in 2010,
compared to 441 units the previous year. The business jet sector
declined 12.3 percent with 763 airplanes shipped, compared to 870
airplanes in 2009.
2010 V 2009 SHIPMENTS OF AIRPLANES
MANUFACTURED WORLDWIDE
Classification |
2009 |
2010 |
% CHANGE |
|
|
|
|
Pistons |
963 |
889 |
-7.7% |
Turboprops |
441 |
363 |
-17.7% |
Business Jets |
870 |
763 |
-12.3% |
|
|
|
|
Total Shipments |
2,274 |
2,015 |
-11.4% |
Total Billings |
$19.5B |
$19.7B |
+1.2% |