Data from the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) shows that shipments of business and GA aircraft fell by 9.8 per cent during the second quarter of 2010, although billings increased marginally.
There were 425 piston powered aircraft shipments during the three month period, which was a 2.1 per cent decrease on deliveries over the same time last year. Turboprop shipments declined 17.8 percent from to 157 units, while business jet shipments totalled 355 units, down 14.3 percent decrease.
Despite the decrease in shipments, billings increased by 0.2 per cent to US$9.38bn (A$10.25bn). GAMA says that this is the second consecutive quarter where billings have increased.
“As general aviation manufacturers continue looking towards recovery from the economic downturn, it remains critical that pro-growth, pro-manufacturing policies like bonus depreciation that promote aircraft purchases and stimulate job creation be put in place,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “As the global economic recovery picks up steam, markets outside of North America continue to hold promise for renewed growth in our industry.”