WASHINGTON, DC — Last year, airplane shipments increased just .6%, while billings were down .9%, according to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
While mixed, the 2012 year-end numbers don’t reflect “the amount of development work in progress in general aviation,” said Brad Mottier, GAMA chairman.
“The general aviation segment is poised for resurgence in the next few years as these new technologies certify and enter the market,” he said.
In the coming year, GAMA officials and members “will focus on lowering the barriers in general aviation to enable advanced technologies to more easily enter service and help improve safety,” Mottier said.
The organization also will continue to expand throughout the general aviation industry, as well as the world, he said.
“2012 saw an expansion of the GAMA membership to the agricultural airplane segment and helicopter manufacturers,” noted GAMA’s President and CEO Pete Bunce. “The data that we are publishing today reflects deliveries through the full breadth of certified general aviation manufacturing and the significant impact our industry has in creating more jobs and boosting the global economy. The current economic challenges and changing market dynamics have broad implications for the industry. That is why we have an aggressive agenda for 2013 that is aimed at increasing government effectiveness, advancing policies that strengthen general aviation, and raising general aviation safety levels worldwide.”
In 2012, GAMA members delivered 2,133 airplanes. Billings declined slightly to $18.9 billion compared to $19 billion in 2011.
One segment that saw a big jump was helicopters, with 1,044 delivered in 2012, a 21.5 percent jump from the 859 delivered in 2011.
Turboprop airplanes ended the year positive at 580 deliveries compared to 526 in 2011. The piston engine segment declined slightly, about 1.9%, to 881. Business jet shipments also declined from 696 to 672.
The combined value of civil airplane and helicopter shipments in 2012 was $3.4 billion, GAMA officials reported.
GAMA is an international trade association representing more than 80 of the world’s manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA’s members also operate repair stations, FBOs, pilot and maintenance training facilities.
For more information: GAMA.aero
