GA Shipments Fall Sharply in First Quarter

May 13, 2015 - First quarter GA airplane shipments fell 15.2 percent in the first quarter of 2015, from 520 to 441, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). That resulted in a 12.6 percent decrease in total billings, from $5.2 billion to $4.5 billion. Rotorcraft deliveries fell 18.3 percent from 230 deliveries to 188, resulting in a 19.9 percent revenue decrease.

“The first quarter numbers show that, while our industry has been gaining traction over the past few years, we face some renewed headwinds in several regions of the world, including Asia, parts of Europe, and Latin America,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “Our industry is focused on regaining momentum, but we need the U.S. Congress to be a strong partner and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank before the June 30 deadline.

“It is time to stop playing political games with industry jobs,” Bunce added. “Congress needs to move ahead and pass reauthorization quickly to ensure a level global playing field and provide needed stability in a difficult market.”

First Quarter Airplane Shipments

                              2014       2015       Change

Piston                    241         193         -19.9%

Turboprops            125         115          -8.0%

Business Jets       154          133         -13.6%

Total Shipments     520          441         -15.2%

Total Billings         $5.2B     $4.5B         -12.6%

First Quarter Rotorcraft Shipments   

                              2014       2015       Change

Piston                    74           52           -29.7%

Turbine                 156         136         -12.8%

Total Shipments     230         188         -18.3%

Total Billings         $1.0B     $0.8B     -17.9%