The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the First Quarter 2023 General Aviation Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report. The aircraft manufacturing industry’s results for the first three months of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022, point to increasing aircraft unit deliveries across most aircraft segments while the overall value of the aircraft shipments was slightly lower for airplanes but increased for helicopters.
“The continued health of general aviation manufacturing industry is encouraging, particularly in light of persistent supply chain, workforce and North American regulatory process challenges. Our manufacturers are focused on meeting this thriving product demand with new aircraft which incorporate advanced technologies that further enhance safety and fuel performance. During this transformative time in aerospace, our manufacturers continually demonstrate that our sector is the technology incubator for safety and sustainability. This message is being emphasized this week at EBACE in Geneva and will also be a focus at the Paris Airshow as we counter the short-sighted, irrational attacks directed upon business aviation in Europe. In stark contrast, emphasis on our demonstrated record of environmental sustainability leadership was very well received on Capitol Hill in early May when GAMA member company leaders participated in more than 125 meetings with U.S. legislators. Other issues discussed with Senators and Representatives across the political spectrum included the immediate need for a confirmed FAA Administrator, improved training for the young FAA workforce, strengthened bilateral engagement and timely passage of an FAA reauthorization bill to provide clear, multi-year direction for the agency,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
Aircraft shipments through the first quarter of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 10.1% with 294 units, turboprop deliveries increase 6.4% with 117 units, and business jet deliveries were flat with 117 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the first quarter of 2023 was $3.7 billion.
Helicopter shipments were robust when compared to the first quarter of 2022; piston helicopter deliveries increased 40% with 56 units, and turbine helicopter deliveries increased 53% with 153 units.
First Quarter Aircraft Shipments and Billings
| Aircraft Type | 2022 | 2023 | % Change |
| Piston Airplanes | 267 | 294 | +10.1% |
| Turboprops | 110 | 117 | +6.4% |
| Business Jets | 118 | 117 | -0.8% |
| Total Airplanes | 495 | 528 | +6.7% |
| Total Airplane Billings | $3.8B | $3.7B | -3.5% |
| Piston Helicopters | 40 | 56 | +40.0% |
| Turbine Helicopters | 100 | 153 | +53.0% |
| Total Helicopters | 140 | 209 | +49.3% |
| Total Helicopter Billings | $0.5B | $0.8B | +59.9% |
GAMA’s complete 2023 first quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
