The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has released its figures for aircraft delivered in the first half of the year, and the numbers are mostly good. The only red mark was on business jet sales, with deliveries down 4 percent compared with last year’s first half (283 this year versus 295 in 2012). On the other end of the scale, twin turboprops soared to a 71 percent increase — up to 58 deliveries compared with 34 in the first six months of 2012.
First half piston aircraft deliveries increased by 16 percent, to 455 from 392 in the same period last year. Overall, deliveries increased by just under 9 percent. The increase in sales of relatively expensive turboprop twins helped offset the modest decrease in jet deliveries. As a result, overall billings were up by 26.4 percent.
But the good results didn’t slow GAMA president Pete Bunce from keeping pressure on Congress, the FAA and aviation authorities worldwide. He said, “We continue to engage lawmakers and regulators across the globe to improve certification processes and to facilitate the introduction of new, safety-enhancing products to market at a reasonable cost. GAMA is especially pleased that the Small Airplane Revitalization Act passed the U.S. House unanimously last month and is moving swiftly through the U.S. Senate. We look forward to seeing this bill become law and continuing our work with officials around the world to enhance safety and hasten our industry’s recovery.”
You can see the full GAMA delivery report here.
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