GAMA Publishes 2017 First Quarter Aircraft Shipment Data

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today released first quarter aircraft shipments showing that both total airplane and rotorcraft shipments increased compared to the same period in 2016, while combined billings declined to a total of $4.1 billion.

“The first quarter shows mixed results for our industry, but with several bright spots,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “We expect future growth to be driven by the introduction of new products, which underscores just how important it is for the U.S. Congress to pass certification reform legislation to facilitate the future of aviation manufacturing, something GAMA board members and representatives explained when they were talking to legislators earlier this month during the largest ever GAMA Capitol Hill Day.”

Piston airplane shipments increased in the first quarter of 2017 to 203 compared to 2016, a 6.3 percent increase. Business jet shipments also increased by 6.6 percent to 130 units. The turbine rotorcraft segment increased by 11.2 percent from 116 units in first quarter 2016 to 129 units in first quarter 2017. Turboprop airplane deliveries, however, declined by 7.3 percent compared to 2016 to 101 unit deliveries. Piston rotorcraft also slowed from 60 units in 2016 to 54 units in 2017.

First Quarter Shipments of Airplanes

“General aviation has been and remains a critical economic engine for our country,” continued Bunce. “It is an essential part of the national transportation system, and the Federal Aviation Administration plays a key role in certifying aircraft, engines and avionics. But if the process for certification is not at its most efficient, products are prevented from reaching the market in a timely fashion. Congress has an opportunity to change that, removing these unnecessary roadblocks to a safer, more efficient aviation industry through certification and regulatory reform. Congress must take decisive steps to pass certification reform this year.”