Manufacturers of new general aviation aircraft are increasing production rates to meet demand, while builders of older aircraft are planning upgrades for their types in an attempt to boost flagging sales.
Diamond Aircraft is increasing North American production of its four-seat DA40 in response to "good market conditions". The manufacturer's plant in Windsor, Ontario, will produce 90 aircraft this year, and reach full production in October, although the final rate has not been released. "We're trying to get that number higher because the demand has just been phenomenal," says vice-president of sales and marketing John Gauch.
EADS Socata has also increased production to 125 aircraft a year after an increase in US sales since January. Vice-president of sales and marketing Michel Adam de Villiers says US sales will account for around one-third of all deliveries this year.
Manufacturers of older types, however, are feeling the pinch as the newcomers eat into their market share. Cessna plans to build 600 aircraft this year, a slight reduction from 2001. The manufacturer introduced some new options at the Sun 'n' Fun show, including air conditioning and the Bendix King KMH 880 Multi-Hazard Awareness System for the 182T Skylane.
New Piper has also reduced production and will only manufacture 331 aircraft this year, compared with over 400 last year.
Raytheon Aircraft has slashed production by a third this year to 275 aircraft, but King Air programme manager Scott Tychsen says sales are starting to pick up again. He says Raytheon is also now studying several avionics and engine upgrades for its foundation products, including the Baron, Bonanza and King Air.
Source: Flight International
