The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported a record year in 2005 for general aviation manufacturers.
The industry reached an all-time high for billings in 2005 — $15.1 billion, a 27.2% increase over 2004. Year-end, worldwide shipments of GA airplanes totaled 3,580, up 20.8% over the previous year’s total of 2,963 units.
All sectors of general aviation manufacturing experienced healthy growth in 2005. Piston airplane shipments experienced a 20.2% increase over the previous year. Total units increased from 2,051 in 2004 to 2,465 airplanes in 2005. Shipments of turboprops increased by 13.7%, up from 321 units in 2004 to 365 units in 2005. Additionally, business jet shipments increased by 159 units to a total of 750 airplanes, a 26.9% increase over 2004.