WASHINGTON, DC, May 10, 2011 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s shipment and billings figures for the first quarter.  In the first three months of 2011, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 4.6 percent, from 390 units in 2010 to 372 units this year. Billings for general aviation airplanes totaled $3.7 billion in the first three months, down nearly 20 percent. 

“This has been a very difficult year to date as a result of the slow economic recovery in North America and Europe,” said GAMA’s President and CEO, Pete Bunce.  "Emerging market deliveries continue to help sustain the industry.  The bright spot in the first quarter is the piston segment.  This good news may be indicative of the start of a recovery in the traditional markets that we hope will accelerate with the 100 percent expensing tax provision in the U.S."

Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 188 units compared to 166 units delivered in the first three months of 2010, a 13.3 percent increase. Turboprop shipments declined 6.7 percent to 56 units in 2011. Business jet shipments totaled 128 units, a 22 percent decrease over the 164 units delivered during this same period in 2010.