Thu, Aug 07, 2008
But Piston Deliveries Continue To Slip
On Thursday, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association
(GAMA) announced second quarter shipment and billings figures.
Industry billings continue at a record-setting pace totaling $12.1
billion, a 24.1 percent increase in the first half of 2008.
"Shipments in the business jet and turboprop segments continue
to rise steadily," said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce.
"Expanding worldwide markets are having a very positive affect on
the turbine segments of our industry."
Turboprop shipments increased from 186 units in the first half
last year to 222 units in 2008. Business jet shipments totaled 663
units in the first half of 2008, a 39.3 percent increase over the
476 units delivered in the second quarter of 2007.
Another, less-welcome trend is also evident: the continued fall
of piston aircraft sales. Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled
1034 units compared to 1226 units delivered in the first half of
2007, a 15.7 percent decrease.
Despite that decline, Bunce remains optimistic.
"Although total shipments in the piston segment are down for the
first half of 2008, we believe recent success of the world’s
premier general aviation show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is a good
indicator of sustained enthusiasm for the light end of the market,"
said Bunce. "The Experimental Aircraft Association reported that
attendance at last week’s AirVenture held steady.
"Despite uncertainty with fuel prices and strength of the North
American economy, the energy surrounding the entire spectrum of
general aviation remains robust," Bunce continued. "Our piston
manufacturers continue to generate excitement through new product
introductions that incorporate innovative technologies and are
paying increased attention to growth opportunities in the
international market."
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