WASHINGTON, DC, August 4, 2010 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s second quarter shipment and billings figures.  In the first half of 2010, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 9.8 percent, from 1039 units in 2009 to 937 units this year. Billings for general aviation airplanes totaled $9.40 billion in the first six months of 2010, up 0.2 percent.  This is the second consecutive quarter that industry billings have risen.  

"As general aviation manufacturers continue looking towards recovery from the economic downturn, it remains critical that pro-growth, pro-manufacturing policies like bonus depreciation that promote aircraft purchases and stimulate job creation be put in place," said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO.  “As the global economic recovery picks up steam, markets outside of North America continue to hold promise for renewed growth in our industry.”  

Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 425 units compared to 434 units delivered in the first half of 2009, a 2.1 percent decrease. Turboprop shipments declined 17.8 percent from 191 units in the first six months last year to 157 units in 2010. Business jet shipments totaled 355 units, a 14.3 percent decrease over the 414 units delivered during this same period in 2009.