The general aviation industry had a record-breaking year in 2025.
While the 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report, released Feb. 18, 2026, shows that deliveries were either flat or slightly up, billings hit a record-setting $35.7 billion — the highest ever recorded in the history of the report, according to Ron Draper, GAMA Chair and President & CEO of Textron Aviation.
The latest numbers show that business jets fueled that record-setting number, with an 11.8% increase from 2024 to 2025, with 854 jets sold.
Airplane shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston airplanes increase by 10 to 1,782, while turboprops declined slightly by 5.1% to 594.
Helicopter shipments were down slightly in 2025. Piston helicopter deliveries totaled 206, down four from 2024, while turbine helicopter deliveries were down 14 to 732. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2025 was $4.7 billion, an increase of approximately 5.5%. (The report does not include fourth quarter data from Leonardo Helicopters. That information is expected to be released before the end of February.)
“The state of the general aviation manufacturing industry remains steadfast. We continue to see robust numbers of total aircraft delivered, as well as annual billings eclipsing $35 billion, the highest it has ever been,” said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO, during the association’s annual State of the Industry presentation. “While some segments are seeing marginal declines in deliveries, they are all still above 2019 levels.”
“The industry feels very healthy,” added Draper.
He noted that the industry has a $7.7 billion backlog, which is evidence of a strong demand for GA airplanes.
The GA industry continues to face headwinds, including a critical need for more maintenance technicians and pilots, continuing supply chain issues, as well as issues with a lagging certification process and regulatory gridlock from the FAA.
GA advocates continue to talk to the FAA about these issues, with Viola noting that if GA wants to continue its momentum of record-setting sales, there is a huge need for “regulatory clarity” from the FAA.
Highlights From 2025
- With deliveries of 797 aircraft, Cirrus Aircraft remains the top-selling GA manufacturer for the 23rd consecutive year. Sales of the Vision Jet posted a 14% increase, while the SR series remained the backbone of the company’s sales.
- Textron Aviation delivered 639 aircraft, with officials pointing to the delivery of 122 Citation jets, as well as heavy demand for the Cessna SkyCourier.
- Gulfstream, which sold more than 156 aircraft, led the industry in revenue, earning $7 billion.
You can see a full recording of the State of the Industry presentation on YouTube.
GAMA’s complete 2025 year-end report can be found at GAMA.aero.
Basically stating that inflated prices, not increased deliveries, are responsible for this increase. With the changes to the tax code, the wealthy can afford to buy more expensive equipment and absorb the higher prices.