The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in the US has announced that billings for general aviation aircraft rose significantly in the first half of 2004 – up 16.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. Shipments, however, were down 1.7 per cent.

“Strong deliveries in the business jet and turboprop markets drove the increase in billings,” said GAMA president and ceo Ed Bolen.

“Although piston shipments saw a small dip in the second quarter, current production schedules and healthy sales volume across the board make us increasingly confident that 2004 will be an up year for all segments of the GA market.”

Shipments of piston-powered aeroplanes manufactured worldwide in the first half of 2004 were down

36 units in 2004, to 773 from last year’s 809.

Turboprop shipments increased from 99 aircraft in the first half of 2003 to 110 this year.

Business jets were also up with first half shipments increasing 2.6 per cent, from 234 units last year to 240 units this year.

Bolen added: “The recovery is well underway and should continue through the balance of the year.”