GAMA Releases 2023 Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, 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 $27.8 billion, 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. 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. 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 U.S. 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-U.S. 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,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.
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 $23.4 billion, 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 $4.4 billion, an increase of approximately 11.2%.
Year-end Aircraft Shipments and Billings
Aircraft Type 2022 2023 % Change
Piston Airplanes 1,505 1,682 +11.8%
Turboprops 582 638 +9.6%
Business Jets 712 730 +2.5%
Total Airplanes 2,799 3,050 +9.0%
Total Airplane Billing $22.9B 23.4B +2.2%
Piston Helicopters 194 209 +7.7%
Turbine Helicopters (*) 682 753 +10.4%
Total Helicopters 876 962 +9.8%
Total Helicopter Billing $4.0B $4.4B +11.2%
GAMA 2023 Report: Aircraft Shipments Rise Amid Industry Challenges
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)’s 2023 report reveals increased shipments across all aircraft segments, with preliminary aircraft deliveries valued at $27.8 billion - a 3.6% increase from 2022. It’s the first time in over a decade that the general aviation manufacturing industry delivered over 4,000 aircraft. However, challenges due to supply chain issues, workforce shortages and global regulatory uncertainties still exist. The report highlighted an 11.8% rise in piston airplane deliveries to reach 1,682, and a business jet increase of 2.5% to 730. Helicopter deliveries also grew, with piston and turbine helicopter units up by 7.7% and 10.4% respectively.
