The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s shipment and billings figures for the third quarter today, which show that in the first nine months of 2010, total general aviation airplane shipments fell 14.5%, from 1,588 planes in 2009 to 1,357 this year. Billings totaled $13.47 billion in the first nine months, down 2.5%.
“Despite another drop in total shipments and billings, we believe that the longer-term outlook for general aviation is positive. Our industry is coming off of a successful National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and we are encouraged by the sales announcements and a more positive outlook overall as discretionary spending starts to pick back up on a global level,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA’s president and CEO.
“I am especially encouraged by the resources general aviation manufacturers are expending on the research and development of new products,” said Bunce. “Recovery indicators continue to fluctuate, but one positive indicator — the investment in new airplanes and technology — is solid. GA manufacturers are clearly looking toward the future and will be poised for a strong return when the economy fully recovers.”
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 634 compared to 679 delivered in the first nine months of 2009, a 6.6% decrease. Turboprop shipments declined 20.8% to 232 in 2010. Business jet shipments totaled 491, a 20.3% decrease over the 616 delivered during this same period in 2009.
For more information: GAMA.aero
