General aviation avionics sales topped $2.3 billion in 2021, up 6.5% from 2020.
During the fourth-quarter months of October, November, and December, sales increased 7.4% compared to the same time in 2020, according to the latest figures from the Aircraft Electronics Association.
Fourth-quarter sales increased 0.6% from the third quarter of 2021 and marked the sixth consecutive quarter of increasing sales, AEA officials noted.
“Industry sales have been steadily climbing for six straight quarters after bottoming out in the second quarter of 2020,” said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson. “As the industry continues to recover from the initial jolt of the pandemic, avionics manufacturers are now dealing with supply chain issues that may impact sales through 2022. As a result, many OEMs are engaged in ongoing and proactive communications with their dealers and navigating through increasing lead times for some products.”
Of the more than $2.3 billion in sales in 2021, 54.6% 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 45.4% of sales, according to the AEA Avionics Market Report.
According to the companies that separated their total sales figures between North America (U.S. and Canada) and other markets, 75.2% of 2021 sales 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 business and general aviation aircraft electronic sales, including all component and accessories in cockpit, cabin, and software upgrades, as well as portable certified and noncertified aircraft electronics; all hardware (tip to tail); batteries; and chargeable product upgrades from the participating manufacturers. The amount does not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty, or subscription services.