GAMA’s Second Quarter 2021 Data Shows Marked Improvement

The turboprop segment saw the largest increase, with Pilatus leading single-engine turboprop deliveries with 26 of its PC-12 models out the door in the second quarter. Pilatus Aircraft

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its 2021 Q2 report, showing marked improvement over the same period in 2020.

The turboprop and rotorcraft segments have made the largest year-over-year gains, with turboprops posting a 45.4 percent increase for the first six months of 2021 as compared to the same period last year. Total helicopter shipments improved by 32.7 percent across the same span.

Billings were also up significantly, with total airplane billings at $8.6 billion for the first half of 2021, a 9.4 percent uptick, and total helicopter billings at $1.4 billion, a jump of 37.7 percent.

“Through the first six months of 2021, we can see that the industry continues to progress in its recovery efforts,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “While it is encouraging to see segments improve from 2020, we still trail when compared to how the industry was faring before the onset of the pandemic.

“Efforts to address ongoing supply chain issues, strengthen our workforce and enhance environmental sustainability will continue to be at the forefront as interest and demand for aircraft remains robust,”

Shipments and Billings Data

Aircraft Type 2020 2021 Percent Change
Piston Airplanes 503 565 12.3
Turboprops 152 221 45.4
Business Jets 244 264 8.2
Total Airplanes 899 1050 16.8
Total Airplane Billing $7.9B $8.6B 9.4
Piston Helicopters 63 83 31.7
Turbine Helicopters 194 258 33
Total Helicopters 257 341 32.7
Total Helicopter Billing $1B $1.4B 37.7
Julie Boatman
Julie BoatmanContributor
Based in Maryland, Julie Boatman is an aviation educator and author. She holds an airline transport pilot certificate with Douglas DC-3 and CE510 (Citation Mustang) type ratings. She's a CFI/CFII since 1993, specializing in advanced aircraft and flight instructor development.

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