Worldwide general aviation avionics sales topped $1 billion in the first half of 2021, according to the latest Avionics Market Report from the Aircraft Electronics Association.
That’s a 7.1% decrease in total sales compared to the first six months of 2020, association officials report. However, they add numbers are trending in a better direction now, with April, May and June 2021 sales increasing by 2.1% over the same time frame a year ago.
“While it’s encouraging to see a modest increase in sales compared to the second quarter of last year, this report is somewhat mixed as it ended a string of sales increases over the preceding nine months,” said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. “The avionics industry is still facing some headwinds with various supply chain issues and global travel restrictions. With new products and services entering the market, the resounding success of recent trade shows and resilient consumers, there are still positive signs for general aviation to continue its climb.”
Of the more than $1 billion in sales during the first half of 2021, 55% came from the retrofit market (avionics equipment installed after original production), while forward-fit sales (avionics equipment installed by airframe manufacturers during original production) amounted to 45% of sales.
According to the companies that separated their total sales figures between North America (U.S. and Canada) and other international markets, 75.2% of the year-to-date sales volume occurred in North America, while 24.8% took place in other markets.
The dollar amount reported (using net sales price, not manufacturer’s suggested retail price) includes all general aviation aircraft electronic sales, including all component and accessories in cockpit, cabin, software upgrades, portables, certified and noncertified aircraft electronics; all hardware (tip to tail); batteries; and chargeable product upgrades from participating manufacturers. The amount does not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty, or subscription services.