Piper Aircraft deliveries shot up more than 40 percent during the first quarter of the year in comparison to 2011, according to positive performance numbers announced by the company on Tuesday.
The increase constitutes the third consecutive year Piper has posted Q1 growth, and illustrates the growing impact of international sales on the company’s bottom line.
Those international deliveries outstripped deliveries here in the U.S. 21 to 16, with Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott saying European demand for Piper’s M-Class business aircraft has been particularly strong.
In addition to the deliveries increase, Piper saw its sales revenue jump from a little over $26 million in Q1 2011 to $31.5 million this year.
The positive trend comes after a tumultuous year for Piper, one that included heavy early promotion of the PiperJet Altaire followed by layoffs and an indefinite suspension of the program.
Piper has since shifted its focus back to its turboprop and piston line.
