GA Aircraft Deliveries Up Year Over Year in First Quarter

The GAMA report demonstrated that the total aircraft deliveries increased across the board as compared to Q1 2021, with higher numbers in all segments. This was tempered by the fact that the total dollar value of billings came in just a bit lower than for the same period in 2021.

Turboprop deliveries led the way, with numbers up by 31 percent, at 110 units. Piston airplane shipments came in next, up 13.9 percent with 263 units, and turbine deliveries made a modest 4.4 percent increase and 118 units.

The rotor-wing segment also showed a rebound, with single-digit increases for both piston and turbine rotorcraft, at 6.5 percent and 98 units, and 8.3 percent and 39 units, respectively.

“It is reassuring to see aircraft deliveries continue to show strong progress as we emerge from impacts of the pandemic,” said GAMA’s president and CEO, Pete Bunce. “It is especially encouraging to see piston airplane deliveries continue their positive trajectory and exceed last year’s numbers as well as the first quarter numbers of 2020 and 2019. 

“This report shows increasing light airplane deliveries from a number of companies that have leveraged the new CS/Part 23 airworthiness standards for both new aircraft models and upgrades. The upward trajectory in light airplane segment is attributable to the regulatory reforms undertaken by several regulatory bodies that enable new technology and new aircraft and entrants.”

The new rules drive toward an unprecedented level of global cooperation—if not a global standard—led by the coordination between the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). “We are optimistic that further implementation of these standards across global regulators will continue to advance safety while bringing new and exciting aircraft to the GA market,” said Bunce.

We expect more from each OEM on its position in concert with the National Business Aviation Association European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-EBACE) next week, May 23 through 25, in Geneva, Switzerland.