WASHINGTON, DC, October 24, 2003 ─ Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) stated that in the first nine months of 2003, deliveries of general aviation airplanes totaled 1,602 units, a 9.3 percent drop from the same period last year, with industry billings dropping 24.4 percent to $6.43 billion.

Despite the overall downward trend in industry deliveries, shipments of piston-engine airplanes in the first nine months of this year were up 0.2 percent over the same period last year, from 1,099 units to 1,101 units. Meanwhile, shipments of turboprop airplanes declined 4.1 percent from 170 units to 163 units. Business jet shipments decreased from 498 units in the first three quarters of last year to 338 units this year.

GAMA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “This is the third straight quarter in which piston deliveries have been in positive territory, and we hope that is a harbinger of better days for the entire industry. The piston numbers, a strengthening economy, and the bonus depreciation are generating cautious optimism among manufacturers.”