In the first half of 2019, 316 business jets were delivered – 12.5% more than in the same period of 2018, when 281 were delivered, according to mid-year data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Piston deliveries were even stronger, rising from 492 in the first half of 2018 to 567 in the same period of 2019 – a 15.2% increase. Turboprop aircraft, however, declined in deliveries by 11.2%, from 260 to 231 units.
The value of aircraft deliveries through the first six months of 2019 was US$9bn, an increase of approximately 12.9%. The total number of aircraft deliveries rose from 1,033 to 1,114, a 7.8% rise.
Rotorcraft deliveries also slowed in the first six months of 2019. Piston rotorcraft shipments declined by 26.2%, from 149 units to 110 units. The industry delivered 299 turbine rotorcraft, a reduction of 11.3% compared to 2018. The value of rotorcraft shipments was US$1.5bn, a decline of approximately 13.1%.
The figures do not yet include second quarter data from three aircraft OEMs.
“While the year-to-date aircraft shipments are mixed, this should not obscure the outlook for a bright future for general aviation,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO at GAMA. “Our mid-year report shows new aircraft reaching entry into service milestones with additional models expected to enter into service before the end of 2019. Our members remain focused on bringing safety-enhancing new technology to the general aviation fleet and upgrading aircraft to meet fast approaching global mandates for ADS-B and datalink communications. Additionally, our industry’s continued emphasis on developing airframes, engines and avionics that improve fuel efficiency, our aggressive pursuit of hybrid and electrically propelled air vehicles, and promotion of the build out of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel infrastructure, should make us all proud of our collective commitment to environmental sustainability.”
