The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has reported a significant increase in aircraft deliveries in 2024, with total values reaching $31.2 billion - up 13.3% from the previous year. The findings were presented at GAMA’s annual State of the Industry Press Conference in Washington.

Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO, says: “As we report on the strength of the general aviation manufacturing industry over the past year, it is notable that for the first time in a decade our companies again exceeded $30 billion in annual billings and for the second year in a row, we shipped more than 4,000 units. This strong performance provides great momentum into 2025, but it is essential that policymakers and regulators on both sides of the Atlantic recognise that for continued growth, they must work with industry on policy issues such as taxes, trade, regulations and supply chain.”

Aircraft shipments increased in most segments, with piston aircraft rising 4.2% to 1,772 units and business jets up 4.7% to 764 units. Turboprops declined slightly by 1.9% to 626 units, while helicopter deliveries remained steady, with piston models at 210 units and turbine helicopters increasing by three units to 746. The total value of aircraft deliveries for 2024 reached $26.7 billion, a 14.3% increase, while helicopters contributed $4.5 billion, up 7.6%.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has welcomed the rise in deliveries, noting its impact on the preowned business aircraft market. IADA chair Phil Winters, who also serves as vice president of aircraft sales and charter management for Greenwich AeroGroup and Western Aircraft, says: “The increase in new aircraft deliveries, particularly in the turbine powered segment, is fuelling activity in the preowned business aircraft market, where IADA dealers played a significant role in 2024. Most new aircraft buyers also have an aircraft to sell, which drives healthy turnover in the marketplace.”