The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in the US has reported that in the first nine

months of 2003, deliveries of general aviation aircraft totalled 1,602 units, a 9.3 per cent drop from the same period last year, with industry billings dropping 24.4 per cent to US$6.43 billion.

Despite the overall downward trend in industry deliveries, shipments of piston-engine aeroplanes in the first nine months of this year were up 0.2 per cent over the same period last year, from 1,099 units to 1,101 units. Meanwhile, shipments of turboprop aircraft declined 4.1 per cent from 170 units to 163 units. Business jet shipments decreased from 498 units in the first three quarters of last year to 338 units this year.

GAMA president and ceo Ed Bolen said: “This is the third straight quarter in which piston deliveries have been in positive territory, and we hope that is a harbinger of better days for the entire industry. The piston numbers, a strengthening economy, and the bonus depreciation are generating cautious optimism among manufacturers.”