We aren’t out of this just yet. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released second quarter shipment and billings figures. Total general aviation airplane shipments fell 45.9 percent, from 1,918 units in 2008 to 1,037 units this year. Industry billings are down 22.7 percent, to a total of $9.26 billion.
“These are extremely challenging times for all general aviation manufacturers and suppliers. Layoffs continue and our industry has been forced to slow, and in some cases, temporarily halt production lines,” said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “We are encouraged that the overall economic picture is showing some signs of improvement, which is a crucial condition for recovery in the general aviation market. Flight hours are stabilizing, used inventories are beginning to shrink, and our manufacturers are seeing signs of renewed interest in airplane purchases.”
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 434 units compared to 1,034 units delivered in the first half of 2008, a 58 percent decrease.
Second quarter shipments of airplanes manufactured worldwide
| 2008 | 2009 | CHANGE | |
| Pistons | 1,034 | 434 | -58.0% |
| Turboprops | 221 | 191 | -13.6% |
| Business Jets | 663 | 412 | -37.9% |
| Total Shipments | 1,918 | 1,037 | -45.9% |
| Total Billings | $11.99B | $9.26B | -22.7% |
