The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published the first quarter 2024 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first three months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, show deliveries were flat for piston airplanes and piston helicopters, decreased for turboprops and turbine helicopters, and increased for business jets. Total aircraft billings were up 3.2 per cent at $4.7 billion.

“While the first three months of the year produced a mixed report, the health of the industry remains solid with robust order backlogs strong across all segments. Our industry continues to be challenged by significant supply chain issues across the board that range from raw materials, through forgings and castings, to basic parts availability. These challenges are most acute in our engine sector. Workforce availability is yet another area that is constraining production. However, we are encouraged to see deliveries of business jets continue to increase and remain optimistic that this trend will include other aircraft segments as the year progresses. It is also encouraging for the industry to have a long-term reauthorisation of the FAA passed into law and the new leadership atop both the FAA and EASA working to strengthen the effectiveness of their bilateral relations and work. These factors will help the industry move forward with new and enhanced technologies, products and innovations,” says Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.

Aircraft shipments through the first quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, showed piston aeroplane deliveries were flat with 292 units compared to 290 units last year, turboprop deliveries decreased 7.7 per cent with 108 units, and business jet deliveries increased 8.5 per cent with 127 units.

Helicopter shipments through the first quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, showed piston helicopter deliveries were flat with 53 units compared to last year's 56, and turbine helicopter deliveries decreased 14.4 per cent with 131 units.