Total Shipments Worldwide Up 8.9 Percent

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the industry’s airplane shipment and billing figures for the second quarter, and the numbers show an industry that is improving, but which still has challenges to overcome.

But there was some very good news in the report. In the first half of 2013, total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments rose 8.9 percent over last year, from 931 shipments to 1,014 shipments. Billings for GA airplanes worldwide reached $10.4 billion, up 26.4 percent from the same period last year, when they totaled $8.2 billion. This marks the first time since 2008 that airplane revenues have exceeded $10 billion in the first six months of the year.

Single and twin-engine turboprop shipments continued their positive trajectory, increasing 3.8 percent and 70.6 percent respectively this year. Piston engine airplanes also increased to 455 units in the first six months, an increase of 16.1 percent compared to 2012. However, business jet shipments were down 4.1 percent over the same period last year, from 295 in 2012 to 283 in 2013.

"We are encouraged to see a strong increase in billings this quarter, but the mixed results in shipments--and the differences in performance among sectors--demonstrate that GA airplane manufacturers still face some strong headwinds as the global economy recovers," GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. "That's why we continue to engage lawmakers and regulators across the globe to improve certification processes and to facilitate the introduction of new, safety-enhancing products to market at a reasonable cost. GAMA is especially pleased that the Small Airplane Revitalization Act passed the U.S. House unanimously last month and is moving swiftly through the U.S. Senate. We look forward to seeing this bill become law and continuing our work with officials around the world to enhance safety and hasten our industry's recovery."

Six Months Airplane Shipments

FMI: www.gama.aero