WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) show that in the first quarter of 2014, total worldwide general aviation airplane shipments increased 11.9%, from 447 in 2013 to 500 in 2014. Billings for GA airplanes totaled $5.1 billion in the first quarter, up 9% from the same period last year.
Piston airplane shipments increased a solid 21.4% from 182 to 221 shipments. The number of piston airplane shipments, however, remains below the 2006 peak, when there were 600 shipments in the first quarter, GAMA officials noted.
Turboprop shipments declined 8.1% to 125. Business jet shipments came in stronger at 154, up 19.4% from first quarter of 2013.
“The GA manufacturing industry’s first-quarter numbers in 2014, especially the strong showing in the piston segment, are encouraging and show that we continue to climb our way out of the recession,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “But we remain a long way from being out of the woods as shown by the mixed performance among sectors. That’s why we continue to work with regulators and lawmakers around the globe to push for sound tax policies that stimulate manufacturing jobs; certification reform to make it easier to put new, safety-enhancing products in the sky; and reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank so that manufacturers have a level playing field to meet the rising demand worldwide for GA aircraft.”
More positive signs in the aviation market! I think we have to be thankful with what w get. I think GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce mentioned what is a major hold, certification.
I was trying to stay positive, but I was trying to point out that the never ending rules & regulations are strangle the industry. Well I admit some have helped, but some have not. So the ones that have not lets look at them & try to remove them to get back to make the industry positive again.
I love it when shipments are up but what was the shipments pre year from the 1966 to 1986. I bet in the mid 80’s dwarfed what they are today. So why is this. Did the government kill the airplane manufacturing business? Now how do correct it?
Paul