General aviation aircraft shipments and billings for the first quarter of 2020 declined across all segments — piston, turboprop, business jet, and rotorcraft — in the first quarter of 2020, according to the latest report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
“While the year started off strong, the health and safety restrictions put in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic began to significantly impact global operations, supply chains, and deliveries towards the end of the first quarter,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.
“Companies rapidly implemented a wide range of health protocols in accordance with local, regional, and national level guidance to keep production, maintenance, and training activity churning,” he continued.
“Many companies then supplemented ongoing activities with the production and transport of health care materials needed by front line health care workers and communities across the globe. These actions serve as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of our industry’s incredible workforce, who will play such a pivotal role in our recovery process,” he added.
When compared to the first quarter of 2019, the first quarter of 2020 saw piston airplane deliveries decline 11.7%, to 219; turboprop airplane deliveries decline 41.8%, with 71; and business jet deliveries decline 19.1%, with 114. The value of airplane deliveries through the first quarter of 2020 was $3.4 billion, a drop of approximately 21.3%.
Turbine helicopter deliveries for the first quarter of 2020, when compared to the first quarter of 2019, saw a decline of 18.3%, with 85; and piston helicopter deliveries saw a decline of 43.9%, with 37.
Total rotorcraft billings fell 19.4%.