Business Aircraft Deliveries Soar to New Heights

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has announced 2007 shipment figures for the general aviation industry, and the news is good. The industry showed record billings of $21.9 billion, eclipsing the previous year's figure by 16 percent. Worldwide general aviation shipments totaled 4,272 aircraft, the most in more than a quarter century and a 5-percent jump over the 4,053 airplanes delivered in 2006. Business jet shipments reached an all-time high of 1,138 aircraft, up 28 percent from last year's 886 airplanes. Shipments of turboprops increased 11 percent to 459 aircraft, up from 412 in 2006, while piston airplane deliveries fell 3 percent, from 2,755 to 2,675. GAMA chairman and Cirrus Design chairman and CEO Alan Klapmeier said that a strong worldwide market, especially outside North America, was a driving factor for general aviation industry growth last year.