Airventure Fuels a Positive Industry Outlook

Although it often showcases unusual innovations, such as a jet pack that latches to humans, the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture show remains a good metric for gauging GA industry health, industry leaders say.

"Recent success of the world’s premier general aviation show in Oshkosh, Wis., is a good indicator of sustained enthusiasm for the light end of the market," General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce said in his second quarter 2008 report.

He added that the show's attendance rate signified that fuel prices and other issues were not curbing industry sales.

The show does not track actual billing figures but representative said exhibitors reported "good- to record-setting sales."

Roughly 540,000 people attended. This year, 25 percent more international visitors registered. There were 797 commercial exhibitors, up slightly from the 2007 show. In total, more than 2516 aircraft were on display.