GA Shipments Down in First Quarter

Few were surprised to learn the results of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) report for the first quarter of this year. "This is an extremely difficult time for our industry," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. Shipments, overall, were down 41.1 percent compared with last year's Q1 numbers. Billings dropped 18.2 percent to $4.34 billion. Deliveries of piston aircraft were hardest hit-down by 55.1 percent (179 units vs. 399 for 2008). Jets dropped by 35.7 percent (191 units vs. 297 for 2008). The one glimmer of light came from the turboprop segment, which showed a slight increase of 3.4 percent (92 units vs. 89 for 2008).