WASHINGTON, DC, November 9, 2010 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s shipment and billings figures for the third quarter.  In the first nine months of 2010, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 14.5 percent, from 1,588 units in 2009 to 1,357 units this year. Billings for general aviation airplanes totaled $13.47 billion in the first nine months, down 2.5 percent. 

"Despite another drop in total shipments and billings, we believe that the longer-term outlook for general aviation is positive.  Our industry is coming off of a successful National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and we are encouraged by the sales announcements and a more positive outlook overall as discretionary spending starts to pick back up on a global level," said Pete Bunce, GAMA’s president and CEO.

“I am especially encouraged by the resources general aviation manufacturers are expending on the research and development of new products,” said Bunce.  “Recovery indicators continue to fluctuate, but one positive indicator – the investment in new airplanes and technology – is solid.  GA manufacturers are clearly looking toward the future and will be poised for a strong return when the economy fully recovers.”

Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 634 units compared to 679 units delivered in the first nine months of 2009, a 6.6 percent decrease. Turboprop shipments declined 20.8 percent to 232 units in 2010. Business jet shipments totaled 491 units, a 20.3 percent decrease over the 616 units delivered during this same period in 2009.

The full shipment report is attached.