Aircraft shipments saw piston airplanes increase 7.3 percent when compared to the second quarter of 2023, according to a recent General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) report.
Business jets increased 8.8 percent, and piston helicopter deliveries grew 2.7 percent while turboprops decreased 3.4 percent and turbine helicopter deliveries dropped 7.7 percent.
Airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2024 are valued at $11.3 billion, and helicopter deliveries are valued at $1.7 billion.
“Our constraints continue to be ongoing supply chain and workforce recapitalization issues, which are routinely compounded by unacceptable turn times in terms of responsiveness and lack of decision making by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) specialists on such things as issue papers, certification plans and regular correspondence,” Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO said. “Our industry is the incubator of safety enhancing and aviation sustainability technology, which in-turn serves as a catalyst for economic growth and exemplary employment for millions around the globe. It is vital that our regulators continue to improve effectiveness and efficiency of certification and validation processes, appropriately apply the safety continuum across the spectrum of general aviation products and respond to applicants in a timely manner.”
Deliveries across the piston airplane, business jet and piston helicopter segments all grew when compared to the first six months of 2023.