22 February 2024
Deliveries of new piston engine aircraft in 2023 were up almost 12% on the previous year with other sectors of the General Aviation industry also seeing increases.
According to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) yesterday, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $27.8 billion, an increase of 3.6%.
“For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
“In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft.”
However, Bunce sounded a note of caution about the future.
“While the deliveries from 2023 are very encouraging, our industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, and short-sighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe,” he said.
“As civil aviation’s innovation incubator, our entire GA industry is focused on new aircraft and technologies that will lead the way in safety and sustainability for the entire aviation sector.
“This progress is dependent on having effective, predictable and accountable regulatory processes, and a supportive business environment. Therefore, it is crucial that the U.S. Congress passes a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the FAA, and a tax measure which is pending that promotes research and development.
“Likewise, non-U.S. global regulatory agencies must receive the proper budgetary support from their governments to carry out current and future activities.”
Perhaps surprising, sales of agricultural aircraft such as the Air Tractor AT802A, are very strong
Fixed-wing aircraft shipments in 2023, when compared to 2022, saw:
The value of airplane deliveries for 2023 was $23.4 billion, an increase of approximately 2.2%.
Piston helicopter deliveries for 2023, when compared to 2022, saw an increase of 7.7%, with 209 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter increase 10.4%, with 753 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2023 was $4.4 billion, an increase of approximately 11.2%.
