The US-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has announced that total industry billings hit record highs in the first half of 2001, bolstered by record shipments of turbojet aeroplanes both to the US and abroad.

At $4.4 billion, total industry billings set a new record, increasing 2.8 per cent over the first half of 2000.

Turbojet shipments totalled 303 in the first half of 2001, up from 288 delivered in the first six months of 2000. Turboprop shipments remained steady at 165 units.

Shipments of piston-engine aircraft decreased to 816 units, down from 864 in the first half of 2001.