The 2021 General Aviation Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report has been released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). All aircraft segments saw increases in shipments in 2021 compared with 2020. Preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at US$25.2bn, an increase of 10.2% on 2020.
“The strength and tenacity of the general aviation industry has provided a strong foundation for the industry to rebound from pandemic-related setbacks with a powerful showing in 2021,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “Total aircraft shipments are converging on figures that were seen before the outset of the pandemic. The industry has been able to weather the storm by strategically managing workforce and supply chain challenges, which unfortunately are still ongoing. Despite this adversity, there is robust interest and excitement in our industry as we continue to further our advancements in innovation, technology and environmental sustainability.”
Compared with 2020, piston aircraft deliveries increased 5.5%, with 1,393 units; turboprop aircraft deliveries increased by 19%, with 527 units; and business jet deliveries increased 10.2%, with 710 units. The preliminary value of aircraft deliveries for 2021 was US$21.6bn, an increase of approximately 7.6%.
Piston helicopter deliveries for 2021, when compared with 2020, saw an increase of 27.5%, with 181 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter figures increased 24.8%, with 645 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2021 was US$3.7bn, an increase of approximately 28%.
The piston engine aircraft market in North America accounted for 68.7% of overall shipments. The second largest market for piston aircraft, for the seventh year in a row, was Asia-Pacific at 14.4%. Turboprop aircraft shipments to North American customers accounted for 52.6% of global deliveries. The second largest market for turboprop aircraft deliveries was the Latin American market at 15.7%. The North American market accounted for 65.9% of business jet deliveries. The second largest market for business jet deliveries during the year was Europe at 18%.
Leonardo Helicopters’ fourth quarter data was not available at the time of publication – the company is due to release year-end results in March 2022. GAMA excluded 2020 fourth quarter data for Leonardo in its comparison.
