Numbers of new General Aviation fixed-wing aircraft delivered during 2017 to date increased by 1.7%, and rotorcraft by 7.7%, according to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) this week.
However, billings declined slightly to $13.2 billion, a 2.8% decrease compared to 2016, while rotorcraft billings increased by 8.8%, to $2.7 billion.
“The third quarter shipment and billing numbers continue a similar pattern for the industry this year: mixed, with some bright spots that continue trending upward, particularly in the rotorcraft market,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.
“We’ve been very focused on streamlining certification and validation processes around the world, which will help our member companies continue bringing new and safer products to the market and hopefully spur growth in future quarters.”
Continued momentum in the rotorcraft segment resulted in an increase in piston helicopter shipments from 168 to 190 units, a 13.1% increase, in the first nine months of 2017 compared to last year. Turbine helicopter shipments increased by 5.6% to 471 units.
Piston aircraft shipment increased by 4% to 724 units compared to 696 in 2016. Business jets saw a slight increase of 1.4% to 434 units. Turboprop shipments declined slightly from 382 to 374 aircraft shipped, a 2.1% decline.
The full GAMA Q3 2017 report can be downloaded here
