OSHKOSH, WI, July 28, 2005 ─ Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that billings for general aviation airplanes rose in the first half of 2005—up 31.6 percent compared to the same period last year while shipments were up 38.1 percent.

“We are seeing the influence of industry innovation, a continued healthy economy and the effects of accelerated depreciation,” said GAMA President & CEO Pete Bunce. “All segments of the industry are pointing up which is generating optimism for a continuation of the industry’s recovery.”

Shipments of piston-powered airplanes manufactured worldwide in the first half of ‘05 were up 309 units from last years 773 to 1,082. Turboprop shipments increased from 110 airplanes in the first half of 2004 to 141 this year. Business jets were also up with first half shipments increasing 36.6 percent, from 238 units last year to 325 units this year.

Bunce added, “More and more corporations are taking advantage of the efficiencies of private travel in business turbine aircraft and we are seeing a similar trend in the piston market where company employees are choosing to fly themselves to their business destination. We are also seeing the influence of safety enhancing advanced avionics becoming standard equipment on more and more piston airplanes.”