The General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) has released its 2023 General Aviation Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report. According to the report, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments, with preliminary aircraft deliveries valued at US$27.8 billion, an increase of 3.6% from 2022 results.
Piston helicopter deliveries also saw an increase of 7.7% from 2022 figures, at 209 units, whilst preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries increased by 10.4%, at 753 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries during 2023 was $4.4 billion, an increase of approximately 11.2%.
“For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA. “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,” added Bunce. “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 reauthorisation 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,” he concluded.
Image: © Eric RAZ / AIRBUS Helicopters;© Airbus HELICOPTERS 2023 Eric RAZ – IMAGINR
