Sales of general aviation aircraft down in 2015

Sales of new general aviation aircraft were down across most types in 2015 according to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today.

Total worldwide general aviation aircraft shipments fell 4.6 percent, from 2,376 units in 2014 to 2,267 units in 2015. Billings for GA aircraft also dropped to $20.9 billion, down 4 percent from $21.8 billion in 2014.

Worldwide rotorcraft shipments fell 4.4 percent, from 998 units in 2014 to 954 units in 2015, while billings dipped 21.9 percent, from $4.9 billion to $3.8 billion.

Key points:

• Shipments of piston-engine aircraft fell for the first time since 2010, down 6.5 percent, from 1,129 units in 2014 to 1,056 units in 2015.
• Turboprop airplane shipments also declined, from 603 units in 2014 to 557 units in 2015, a 7.6 percent drop.
• Preliminary business jet shipments were relatively flat, up 1.6 percent, from 644 units in 2014 to 654 units in 2015.
• Shipments of piston helicopters rose 8.6 percent, from 257 units in 2014 to 279 units in 2015.
• Turbine helicopter shipments, based on initial data, softened from 741 units in 2014 to 675 units last year.

“The mixed 2015 year-end numbers among the various sectors reflect a market characterised by plummeting energy sector revenue, economic uncertainty, and currency fluctuations in key GA markets such as Brazil, Europe, Russia, and China,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.

Download the GAMA report here