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 falling nearly 40% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GAMA attributed the slump to the severe impact of COVID-19 on global aerospace supply chains and operations, with turboprops and piston helicopters experiencing the largest declines within their respective categories.
- Despite the overall decline, there are encouraging signs of stabilization, with supply chains beginning to recover, business aviation flight activity in the US returning to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and increased activity in piston, turboprop, and rotorcraft sectors.
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