International general aviation industry records sales of record $18.8 billion

20 February 2007

The international business jet market has recorded new highs for 2006, reporting sales of $18.8 billion, a whopping 24.1 per cent jump over sales of $15.1 billion reported in 2005, according to an annual industry review of the international general aviation market by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). GAMA is an international trade association representing over 50 manufacturers of fixed-wing airplanes, engines, avionics and components.

According to GAMA, billings in 2006 represented an all-time high for general aviation plane-makers. Shipments of 4,042 units in 2006 not only topped sales of 4,000 units for the first time since 1982, but also marked a 12.9 per cent improvement over the 3,580 airplanes delivered in 2005.

In its review, GAMA has pointed to the growing international market as a factor propelling growth in deliveries. Even as the North American market remained stable, US general aviation manufacturers have reported a 60 per cent increase in exports in 2006.

"Worldwide economic growth, a strong export market and increased use of general aviation for both business and personal use all played a part in this outstanding year for general aviation," said GAMA chairman John Grisik, who is executive vice president, operational excellence and technology for Goodrich Corp.

Grisik also said that the international market would continue to improve in 2007, even as real gross domestic product is expected to grow by more than 10 per cent in China, seven per cent in India and five per cent in Russia over the coming years.

Across the board
According to GAMA, shipments were up by double digits in all categories for the year 2006. Piston plane-makers shipped 2,750 piston aircraft, which was an 11.6 per cent improvement over the 2,465 delivered in 2005. Two manufacturers, Cessna Aircraft and Cirrus Design, who delivered nearly 1,600 new piston-powered airplanes between them, dominated the category.