The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the general aviation aircraft shipments and billings report for the first quarter of 2021. Deliveries increased for turbine helicopters and propeller airplanes while business jet and piston helicopter shipments were flat in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020, which in its closing weeks saw the onset of the pandemic.Â
“The first quarter of 2021 shows progress for the industry. It is encouraging to see manufacturers begin to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic. Although, we are not yet in the clear. The industry continues to face headwinds, especially with ongoing supply chain issues and pandemic related restrictions and constraints to global travel. It is important that we continue working with governments to assist in strengthening our supply chain, safely easing travel related restrictions, and protecting our highly skilled workforce. Our outlook toward the future is exciting, particularly in-light-of our industry’s commitment to, and focus upon, environmental sustainability which continues to spur development of new aircraft, innovative technologies, and the production, distribution and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.
Airplane shipments for the first three months of 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 7.3%, with 235 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increase 18.3%, with 84 units; and business jet deliveries were flat with 113 units.
Civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries for the first three months of 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020, saw an increase of 8.2%, with 92 units; and piston helicopter deliveries nearly matched first quarter 2020 with 36 units.
First Quarter Aircraft Shipments and Billings
| Aircraft Type | 2020 | 2021 | Change |
| Piston Airplanes | 219 | 235 | 7.3% |
| Turboprops | 71 | 84 | 18.3% |
| Business Jets | 114 | 113 | -0.9% |
| Total Airplanes | 404 | 432 | 6.9% |
| Total Airplane Billings | $3.33B | $3.93B | 18.1% |
| Piston Helicopters | 37 | 36 | -2.7% |
| Turbine Helicopters | 85 | 92 | 8.2% |
| Total Helicopter | 122 | 128 | 4.9% |
| Total Helicopter Billing | $431M | $544M | 26.2% |
GAMA’s complete 2021 first quarter report can be found at gama.aero.
