Mooney Airplane Company delivered 19 aircraft valued at approximately $9 million during the fourth quarter of 2005, bringing the company's total for the year to 85 airplanes worth approximately $36.5 million. The tally exceeds Mooney's projection to "more than double 2004 deliveries" and represents a 136% increase in deliveries, year to year, over 2004.

Mooney delivered a total of 34 aircraft in 2003 and 36 in 2004.

"Our sales in 2005 reflect both the strength of our product line and confidence in the company," said David Copeland, Mooney's vice president of sales and marketing. "We expect growth in both orders and deliveries in 2006 as we mark our 60th year of production," he added. Mooney began building airplanes in Wichita, Kansas in 1946, before moving to Kerrville, Texas in 1951. It now employs 410 people at the site.

During the fourth quarter, Mooney delivered 14 Ovation2 GX and 5 Bravo GX models, bringing the yearend totals to 64 Ovation2 GX aircraft and 20 Bravo GX models. A single Ovation DX was also delivered during the year. "The delivery of our 11,000th production airplane and the 100th GX model will highlight the first quarter of 2006, and we'll launch our 60th Anniversary celebration with some special events, as well," Copeland stated.

"We've streamlined our operations and delivery process in 2005, and made measurable improvements in customer support and responsiveness," noted Gretchen Jahn, Mooney's chief executive officer.

"Our expectations for 2006 include improvements in our processes and productivity as well as the increases in orders and deliveries," she added.

FMI: www.mooney.com