By Skies Magazine | February 21, 2024 Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 53 seconds.
General aviation’s main advocacy group is celebrating a major bounce-back in 2023, but tempering its optimism with concerns about ominous headwinds that may hinder growth.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said aircraft deliveries eclipsed 4,000 aircraft for the first time in more than a decade last year, with increased shipments in all its segments.
“In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “This is a testament to the resilience of our industry and the integral role that general and business aviation plays in our communities.”
Still, ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, as well as restrictive policies for GA and business aviation in Europe are all major concerns for 2024.
“As civil aviation’s innovation incubator, our entire GA industry is focused on new aircraft and technologies that will lead the way in safety and sustainability for the entire aviation sector,” said Bunce. “This progress is dependent on having effective, predictable and accountable regulatory processes, and a supportive business environment.”
With this in mind, GAMA is calling on governments in the United States and elsewhere to pass legislation that would promote research and development and unlock further prosperity.
“If political entities and regulatory bodies can deliver on their responsibilities, what our industry can accomplish in 2024 and beyond will be extraordinary,” said Bunce.
In 2023, piston airplane shipments increased 11.8 per cent year-over-year, while turboprop deliveries increased 9.6 per cent, GAMA said. Business jet deliveries increased 2.5 per cent, and the value of airplane deliveries was $23.4 billion, an increase of about 2.2 per cent.
Helicopter deliveries were similarly positive, with piston rotorcraft spiking 7.7 per cent and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopters up 10.4 per cent. The preliminary value of all helicopter deliveries was $4.4 billion, an increase of 11.2 per cent.
A full breakdown of aircraft deliveries is available in GAMA’s year-end report.
