General-aviation aircraft billings in the USA reached a record $886 million in the first quarter of 1997 because of strong corporate-jet deliveries, says the US General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Compared to the same period in 1996, aircraft billings increased by 60%.Total aircraft shipments also rose, with 237 units delivered in the 1997 first quarter compared to 225 aircraft in 1996. Turbofan-aircraft deliveries were at their highest levels of any first quarter since 1982, up by 40% over 1996 figures, to 63 units. Total shipments of turboprops dipped to 39 aircraft, but piston-engined aircraft shipments increased by 10.7% to 135 units for the 1997 first quarter.
Source: Flight International
