OSHKOSH, WI, July 29, 2004 ─ Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that billings for general aviation airplanes rose significantly in the first half of 2004—up 16.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Shipments, however, were down 1.7 percent.

“Strong deliveries in the business jet and turboprop markets drove the increase in billings,” said GAMA President & 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 airplanes manufactured worldwide in the first half of 2004 were down 36 units in 2004, 773 from last year’s 809. Turboprop shipments increased from 99 airplanes in the first half of 2003 to 110 this year. Business jets were also up with first half shipments increasing 2.6 percent, 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, but we still need to solidify the outlook for 2005 by extending bonus depreciation as soon as Congress reconvenes in September.”

The extension of bonus depreciation is included in the comprehensive tax bill that Congress is expected to pass this fall. Prompt passage of the tax bill is GAMA’s top legislative priority.