WASHINGTON, DC, November 13, 2008 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported worldwide deliveries of general aviation airplanes for the first nine months of 2008. A total of 2,977 airplanes were shipped in the first three quarters, valued at $18.2 billion, compared to 2,918 units valued at $15.1 billion during this same period in 2007.

"Notwithstanding these positive third quarter numbers for turbine powered aircraft deliveries, our industry is experiencing difficulties due to the weakness of the global economy,” said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “Reacting to the lead and lag nature of this economic slowdown, several companies have announced layoffs and are working very aggressively to retain orders and encourage new ones. Even as the price of fuel has declined from the debilitating high levels we saw this past summer, the uncertainty of financial markets worldwide is negatively impacting the entire aviation industry."

Bunce continued, "GAMA is committed to working with the U.S. Congress and the Administration to utilize measures that in the past have helped stimulate aircraft orders. At the same time, we will urge U.S. government entities, as well as the European Commission and Parliament, not to enact new regulation or implement policies without a full assessment of the economic burden that would be imposed on aviation operators, manufacturers or their employees."

Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 1,646 units compared to 1,857 units delivered in the first three quarters of 2007, an 11.4 percent decrease. Turboprop shipments increased from 300 units in the first three quarters last year to 341 units in 2008. Business jet shipments totaled 990 units in the first three quarters of 2008, a 30.1 percent increase over the 761 units delivered during this same period in 2007.