GAMA Chairman Rob Wilson Released The Numbers At Industry
Review Briefing Tuesday
Not that it comes as any huge
surprise, but GAMA made it official Tuesday. They announced that
2009 worldwide shipments and billings of general aviation airplanes
were down in all categories.
Speaking at GAMA's Annual Industry Review and Market Outlook
Briefing, GAMA Chairman, Rob Wilson, president of Honeywell
Business and General Aviation, reported that the global economic
downturn led to one of the toughest years ever for general aviation
manufacturers. "The worldwide economic crisis, which included major
constraints on credit, cutbacks in flying hours, and downsizing and
divestiture of business jet fleets, forced manufacturers to take
difficult steps in 2009," said Wilson. "General aviation
manufacturers had no choice but to cut production and announce
painful layoffs and furloughs."
Wilson pointed out, however, that there are some hopeful signs
that the worst of the economic crisis may be over. He added, "The
inventory of used aircraft has peaked and is now declining, flying
hours are on the rise, and inquiries for new orders are beginning
to grow again. 2009 also showed that the fastest-expanding markets
were again outside North America, illustrating worldwide
recognition of the importance of general aviation to conducting
business in a global economy. While these positive factors give us
reason for optimism, we know that a full recovery will take time.
Our manufacturers continue to plan and invest for future growth and
we are confident that our industry will remain a powerful engine
for economic recovery and quality job creation around the
world."
Industry billings dipped to $19.5 billion, a 21.4 percent
decrease from the 2008 record high of $24.8 billion, but the third
highest year ever. 2009 worldwide shipments of general aviation
airplanes declined for a second year in a row with a total of 2,276
units delivered, a 42.6 percent decrease over the previous year's
total of 3,967 airplanes.
The piston airplane segment experienced the greatest decline at
54.5 percent. Shipments totaled 965 airplanes in 2009, compared to
2,119 unit airplanes in 2008. The turboprop sector was the most
successful in weathering the economic storm, showing a decline of
17.6 percent. In 2009, 441 turboprops were shipped, down from 535
units in 2008. After five years of growth, the business jet sector
declined 33.7 percent with 870 airplanes shipped, compared to the
previous year's figure of 1,313 airplanes.
2009 vs 2008 Shipments Of Airplanes Manufactured Worldwide
|
2008 |
2009 |
Change |
Pistons |
2,119 |
965 |
-54.5% |
Turboprops |
535 |
441 |
-17.6% |
Business Jets |
1,313 |
870 |
-33.7% |
Total Shipments |
3,967 |
2,276 |
-42.6% |
Total Billings |
$24.8B |
$19.5B |
-21.4% |