Wed, Aug 05, 2009
But Some Encouraging Signs Are Showing Up As well
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Tuesday
released the industry's second quarter shipment and billings
figures, and they do not bode well for a quick recovery. In
the first half of 2009, total general aviation (GA) airplane
shipments fell 45.9 percent, from 1,918 units in 2008 to 1,037
units this year. Industry billings are down 22.7 percent, to a
total of $9.26 billion.
"These are extremely challenging times for all general aviation
manufacturers and suppliers. Layoffs continue and our industry has
been forced to slow, and in some cases, temporarily halt production
lines," said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. "We are
encouraged that the overall economic picture is showing some signs
of improvement, which is a crucial condition for recovery in the
general aviation market. Flight hours are stabilizing, used
inventories are beginning to shrink, and our manufacturers are
seeing signs of renewed interest in airplane purchases. We
are also encouraged by reports that accelerated depreciation,
passed by Congress earlier this year, is stimulating some new
orders. Even though it is too early to distinguish these
indications as a trend, we are hopeful that this momentum with
continue through the second half of the year."
Pete Bunce
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 434 units compared to
1,034 units delivered in the first half of 2008, a 58 percent
decrease. Turboprop shipments decreased 13.6 percent from 221 units
in the first six months last year to 191 units in 2009. Business
jet shipments totaled 412 units, a 37.9 percent decrease over the
663 units delivered during this same period in 2008.
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