Ramon Lopez/WASHINGTON DC
THE US GENERAL-aviation aircraft industry has unveiled 1995 figures showing that it delivered the highest number of aircraft since 1990 and achieved the best billings since 1981.
The figures enabled the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) president Ed Stimpson to report that "...the industry is entering 1996 in better shape than at any other recent year, with today's market stable and more predictable".
Total deliveries reached 1,077 in 1995, up by 16% from 928 aircraft delivered in 1994. Total orders for the industry were 21% higher, at $2.8 billion. In comparison, 1994's orders rose by a more modest 10% compared to those of 1993, after the number of aircraft delivered to customers in 1994 declined by 4%. The slump reflected the downward trend of piston-aircraft shipments which is now poised for reversal.
Raytheon Aircraft typifies the increasing confidence being demonstrated by aircraft builders, announcing that 1995 had been the most prosperous year in its history. The company shipped a total of 363 aircraft in the year.
Piper Aircraft's final emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy was another example of a company improving its fortunes. It recorded increased deliveries for most of its product range as the year went on.
Industry improvements have been led largely, by the US domestic market. Although deliveries overseas rose by 11.9%, to 310 aircraft, and orders improved by 19.2%, to $815.9 million, they still accounted for only 29% of total US manufacturing. In 1993, exports represented 36% of deliveries and 40% of the orders.
Piston-engine aircraft shipments were up 15%, to 576 units. GAMA expects sales to rebound even further as Cessna re-enters the field.
Business-jet deliveries increased by more than 10%, to 246 aircraft, and turboprop shipments rose by 23%, to 255 aircraft. Particularly strong were deliveries of 19-passenger regional-aircraft and utility turboprops.
"Most encouraging for 1996 and beyond is the significant backlog of orders for many business-aircraft models. These are good times for the industry," says Stimpson.
GAMA says that virtually every affiliated company will be hiring employees this year. In Kansas alone, the Association's members report their intention to employ 4,000 workers this year.
Source: Flight International
