WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest shipment and billings figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) show that times were still tough for the GA industry in the first quarter of this year. In the first three months of 2011, total GA airplane shipments fell 4.6%, from 390 planes in 2010 to 372 this year. Billings for general aviation airplanes totaled $3.7 billion in the first three months, down nearly 20%.
“This has been a very difficult year to date as a result of the slow economic recovery in North America and Europe,” said GAMA’s President and CEO Pete Bunce. “Emerging market deliveries continue to help sustain the industry. The bright spot in the first quarter is the piston segment. This good news may be indicative of the start of a recovery in the traditional markets that we hope will accelerate with the 100% expensing tax provision in the U.S.”
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 188, compared to 166 delivered in the first three months of 2010, a 13.3% increase. Turboprop shipments declined 6.7% to 56 planes in 2011. Business jet shipments totaled 128, a 22% decrease from the 164 delivered during this same period in 2010.
For more information: GAMA.aero
