While the data just released from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) showed trends that weren’t unexpected, the degree of downturn for the industry points to a more significant slump than most people prepared for. The total number of aircraft shipped to date in 2020 declined 21.5 percent from the same period last year. Billings were also down just over 20 percent. The helicopter side of the industry received an even tougher blow, with deliveries down nearly 40 percent with billings declining 35.5 percent. On the airplane side of the business, turboprops took the biggest hit with deliveries down slightly more than 34 percent. Piston helicopters saw the greatest decline amongst the rotorcraft fleet, down 45.2 percent.
GAMA’s Q2 Delivery Report Shows Declines Across the Board
Key Takeaways:
- The general aviation industry experienced a significant downturn in Q2 2020, with total aircraft shipments declining 21.5% and helicopter deliveries down nearly 40% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The global aerospace supply chain was severely impacted but has begun to stabilize, with companies implementing robust mitigation protocols for a "new normal" work environment.
- Despite grim delivery numbers, flight activity for business aviation in U.S. domestic airspace is returning to pre-pandemic levels, and piston, turboprop, and rotorcraft flight activity has actually increased, attracting new travelers to general aviation.
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