The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)’s latest aircraft shipments and billings report – covering the first quarter of 2020 – shows a decline across all segments compared with the same period in 2019.
“While the year started off strong, the health and safety restrictions put in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic began to significantly impact global operations, supply chains and deliveries towards the end of the first quarter,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO at GAMA. “Companies rapidly implemented a wide range of health protocols in accordance with local, regional and national level guidance to keep production, maintenance and training activity churning. Many companies then supplemented ongoing activities with the production and transport of healthcare materials needed by frontline health care workers and communities across the globe. These actions serve as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of our industry’s incredible workforce who will play such a pivotal role in our recovery process.”
The first quarter of 2020, when compared to the first quarter of 2019, saw piston aircraft deliveries decline 11.7%, with 219 units; turboprop deliveries decline 41.8%, with 71 units; and business jet deliveries decline 19.1%, with 114 units. The value of aircraft deliveries through the first quarter of 2020 was US$3.4bn, a decline of approximately 21.3%.
Turbine helicopter deliveries saw a decline of 18.3%, with 85 units; and piston helicopter deliveries saw a decline of 43.9%, with 37 units.
