Washington, DC

GA manufacturing eclipses 4,000 aircaft delivered for first time in more than a decade

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2023 General Aviation Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference.

Overall, when compared to 2022, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $27.8bn, an increase of 3.6%.

“For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered," said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. "In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft. This is a testament to the resilience of our industry and the integral role that general and business aviation plays in our communities.

"While the deliveries from 2023 are very encouraging, our industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, and short-sighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe.

Bunce continued, "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. This progress is dependent on having effective, predictable and accountable regulatory processes, and a supportive business environment. Therefore, it is crucial that the US Congress passes a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the FAA, and a tax measure which is pending that promotes research and development.

Likewise, non-US global regulatory agencies must receive the proper budgetary support from their governments to carry out current and future activities. If political entities and regulatory bodies can deliver on their responsibilities, what our industry can accomplish in 2024 and beyond will be extraordinary.”

Airplane shipments in 2023, when compared to 2022, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 11.8% from the same reporting companies, with 1,682 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increase 9.6%, with 638 units; and business jet deliveries increase 2.5%, with 730 units. The value of airplane deliveries for 2023 was $23.4bn, an increase of approximately 2.2%.

Piston helicopter deliveries for 2023, when compared to 2022, saw an increase of 7.7%, with 209 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter increase 10.4%, with 753 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2023 was $4.4bn, an increase of approximately 11.2%.

Gama Shipments and Billings

Leonardo Helicopters fourth quarter data was not available at the time of publication. Leonardo Helicopters will release year-end results in the next couple of weeks. GAMA excluded 2022 fourth quarter data for Leonardo in the comparison table.

GAMA’s complete 2023 year-end report can be found at gama.aero.