Billings exceed $15 billion to set all-time GA record and push backlogs into 2007

General aviation manufacturers have reported their highest deliveries in 22 years and all-time record billings. Worldwide deliveries rose almost 21% last year to 750 jets, 365 turboprops and 2,465 pistons while billings rose more than 27% to $15.1 billion, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

With the US economy forecast to grow at more than 3% a year to 2011, aircraft deliveries are expected to continue to grow, says GAMA president and chief executive Pete Bunce. But there are clouds on the horizon such as high fuel prices and airspace user fees.

Bombardier ended the year as industry leader in dollar terms, with billings of $3.87 billion. Shipments rose more than 45% to 188 aircraft, led by increased deliveries of its latest Challenger 300 and Global 5000 business jets. Cessna led in numbers terms, delivering 247 jets, 86 turboprops and 822 pistons.

Order intake was strong, resulting in a “book to bill” ratio greater than 1 for most manufacturers. So, despite production rate increases planned for this year, backlogs are beginning to extend into 2007. Cessna says planned production of 295-300 Citations this year is sold out and it already has 290 aircraft on order for 2007 delivery. Gulfstream booked 121 orders last year and is increasing production to 111 aircraft this year, up from 89 in 2005. Raytheon delivered 141 jets and booked orders for 168.

Overall, business jet deliveries were up almost 27% to 750 aircraft. Turboprop shipments rose almost 14% to 365 aircraft while piston deliveries were up more than 20% to 2,465 aircraft. The 2005 total of 3,580 shipments compares with the low point of 928 aircraft in 1994, says Bunce.

Cessna delivered 822 piston singles, an increase of almost 26% over 2004, and booked orders for more than 1,000 aircraft. Cirrus delivered 600 singles and took 700 orders. Diamond delivered 329 singles and twins, up 26%. Columbia ramped up piston production to one aircraft a day, delivering 114 by year-end. New Piper recovered from hurricane damage to deliver 193 pistons and 40 turboprops, and Mooney returned from bankruptcy to deliver 85 piston singles.

GAMA expects fuel prices to remain high, but is uncertain of the industry impact. GA flying activity in the USA dropped 2% last year. “We are not sure if it was fuel cost,” says Bunce. Other concerns are onerous tax regulations on use of business aircraft, the impact of US technology controls on exports, reductions in certification services offered by the FAA and increases in certification fees charged by the European Aviation Safety Agency.

GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC

Source: Flight International