GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) reports that in the first three months of 2011 general aviation aircraft shipments fell 4.6 per cent, from 390 units in the first quarter of 2010 to 372 units this year. Billings were also down, by 20 per cent to US $3.7 billion when compared to the same period last year.
Piston powered aircraft shipments in fact were in fact up 13.3 per cent to 188 units for the quarter, but turboprop shipments fell 6.7 per cent to 56 units shipped. Worse performed still was business jet shipments, falling 22 per cent to 128 units shipped.
“This has been a very difficult year to date as a result of the slow economic recovery in North America and Europe,” GAMA president and CEO, Pete Bunce said.
“Emerging market deliveries continue to help sustain the industry. The bright spot in the first quarter is the piston segment. This good news may be indicative of the start of a recovery in the traditional markets that we hope will accelerate with the 100 per cent expensing tax provision in the US.”
