GAMA Reports Year-Over-Year Increase in Aircraft Shipments In a 'Governed' Recovery

With three years of measured improvement, the general aviation industry tracked well to plan in 2022, navigating issues of workforce, regulatory slowdowns, and ongoing supply chain constraints.

Julie Boatman

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 05:50 PM ET

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The Pilatus PC-12 model was the most-delivered single-engine turboprop for 2022, shown in its completion phase at Pilatus Business Aircraft in Colorado. [Credit: Glenn Watson]

Key Takeaways:

The general aviation industry showed significant recovery in 2022, with aircraft unit deliveries surpassing 2019 levels for turbine, turboprop, and piston aircraft, although total billings were slightly lower.
Despite this recovery, the industry continues to face persistent challenges related to workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the drive for sustainable innovation.
Regulatory processes at the FAA are causing significant delays in rulemaking and certification, while the transition to unleaded avgas is complicated by local bans that could undermine industry-wide efforts.
Modern general aviation aircraft have evolved to be substantially more capable and expensive than in 1974, driven by technological advancements, with efforts focused on attracting a diverse youth workforce.

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Workforce. Supply chain. Innovation to a sustainable future.

The themes at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association 2023 State of the Industry press conference echoed almost precisely those of the past three years. But it was served with a bright lemon twist, as deliveries indicate a recovery to near 2019 levels for turbine, turboprop, and piston aircraft serving business and personal aviation.