US general-aviation manufacturers shipped aircraft worth $3.19 billion in the first nine months of 1997, surpassing 1996's record year-end total of $3.12 billion. Aircraft deliveries were up by over 30%, compared with those for 1996, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Piston-aircraft deliveries rose by 47%, to 561 units, while business-jet shipments soared by 56%, to 151, but turboprop deliveries fell by 20% to 157 aircraft. The third-quarter rise in deliveries was even more dramatic, with pistons up by 98% and jet aircraft up by 56%. Exports showed a 102% growth over the same period in 1996.
Source: Flight International
