The business and general aviation shipments and billings fell once again in the last quarter, but emerging markets are helping to sustain the industry, according to the latest figures released by the US General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
In the first three months of 2011, total GA aircraft shipments fell 4.6% from 390 units in 2010 to 372 units during the same period this year. Aircraft billings fell by nearly 20% to $3.7 billion between January and March due mainly to a 22% fall in business jet deliveries.
"This has been a very difficult year to date as a result of the slow economic recovery in North America and Europe," said GAMA president Pete Bunce. "The bright spot in the first quarter is the piston segment," he added. Here shipments climbed more then 13% from 166 units in the first quarter of last year to 188 units in the first three months of 2011.
In contrast, turboprop shipments fell 6.7% to 56 units during the same timeframe while business jet deliveries plummeted from 164 to 128 aircraft. GAMA expects the market to pick up later this year as US owners take advantage of the government-led "100% expensing tax provision" which gives tax relief to owners of new aircraft that are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
