The Aircraft Electronics Association has released its second quarter 2020 Avionics Market Report. In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to more than $1.1 billion as reported by the participating companies. The figure represents a 23.6 per cent decrease in total sales compared to the first six months of 2019. During the second quarter months of April, May and June, sales decreased 37.3 per cent compared to the same time frame one year ago.

The dollar amount reported, using net sales price, not manufacturer's suggested retail price, includes: all business and general aviation aircraft electronic sales including all component and accessories in cockpit/cabin/software upgrades/portables/certified and non-certified aircraft electronics; all hardware from tip to tail; batteries; and chargeable product upgrades from the participating manufacturers. The amount does not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty or subscription services.

Of the more than $1.1 billion in sales during the first half of 2020, 53.3 per cent came from the retrofit market (avionics equipment installed after original production), while forward-fit sales (avionics equipment installed by airframe manufacturers during original production) amounted to 46.7 per cent of sales.

According to the companies that separated their total sales figures between North America, namely the US and Canada, and other international markets, 74.6 per cent of the year-to-date sales volume occurred in North America, while 25.4 per cent took place in other international markets.

“Realising a substantial decrease in worldwide avionics sales during the second quarter was the expectation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” comments AEA president and CEO Mike Adamson. “The economic impact of the disease has been significant, and the business and general aviation electronics industry is not immune to the crisis. However, I remain optimistic that our industry will be poised for recovery as our shops and manufacturers continue their essential operations, legislators continue to address key employment initiatives and our industry amplifies the immense value of business and general aviation as an economic catalyst.”