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 Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported that 2022 aircraft deliveries recovered to near 2019 levels across all segments, indicating industry recovery, though total billings were slightly lower than 2019.
The industry continues to grapple with persistent challenges, including workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and delays in regulatory processes at the FAA.
Modern general aviation aircraft are significantly more capable and expensive than those of decades past, driven by advancements in technology, efficiency, and a shift towards higher-value turbine aircraft.
Concerns were raised about FAA leadership gaps, slow rulemaking, and premature actions like the MOU allowing a leaded fuel ban, which could hinder industry progress and threaten airports.

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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.