GA aircraft sales

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released worldwide 2014 year-end aircraft sales and delivery numbers.  Not only are the figures encouraging for the future health of the GA industry, but they very nearly beat the 2008 records.

Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA, reported that, for the year, total worldwide general aviation (non-scheduled passenger aircraft of any size) shipments rose 4.3%, from 2,353 in 2013 to 2,454 in 2014.  Billings for GA aeroplanes worldwide increased to US$24.5bn, up 4.5%.  In 2008, billings hit US$24.8bn.

Shipments of piston engined aircraft were a bright spot in the report, rising 9.6% in 2014, although sales were still well off their pace of five years ago before the economic downturn.  Turboprop deliveries, meanwhile, declined, by 6.5% to 603 units.

“The mixed results among segments indicate that the general aviation manufacturing industry is still facing headwinds given the tepid US economic recovery and the political and economic uncertainties in Europe,” Bunce said.

Piston engined aircraft manufacturers delivered 1,129 aircraft in 2014.  That compares with 2,119 in 2008.  Total worldwide business jet deliveries were also well off their peak, although the 722 business jets delivered last year tended to be larger, pricier models driving up revenue figures.   www.gama.aero

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