GA Manufacturers Set Records in 2007

Record numbers of GA aircraft were sold and shipped in 2007, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s annual industry review and forecast, which GAMA released this month.

Industry billings in 2007 totaled $21.9 billion, up 16.5 percent from 2006. Worldwide shipments of GA aircraft totaled 4,272 units at year-end, up 5.4 percent from 2006. This is the highest shipment figure reported in more than 25 years.

For the second consecutive year, business jet shipments hit an all-time high of 1,138 units, up 28.4 percent from 2006.

The turboprop market, also used by business travelers, grew significantly. In 2007, shipments totaled 459 units, a 11.4 percent increase from 412 units in 2006.

According to the report, the piston airplane segment was down 2.9 percent in 2007 yet posted its second best year in more than two decades. Total units decreased from 2,755 in 2006 to 2,675 in 2007.

Emerging markets overseas continue to drive GA sales and shipments because their economies are expanding three to four times more quickly than the U.S. economy. In 2007, U.S. GA exports rose 28.2 percent to 1,142 units, and billings for these aircraft increased 4.4 percent to $4.6 billion.