The first quarter (Q1) of 2021 saw an increase in turbine helicopter and propeller airplane deliveries while business jet and piston helicopter shipments were flat compared to the same time period last year. According to the recently released General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) general aviation aircraft shipments and billings report (PDF), piston airplane deliveries rose 7.3 percent and turboprops saw an increase of 18.3 percent in Q1 2021. 113 business jets were shipped over the quarter compared to 114 in Q1 2020.
“The first quarter of 2021 shows progress for the industry,” said GAMA CEO Pete Bunce. “It is encouraging to see manufacturers begin to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic. Although, we are not yet in the clear. The industry continues to face headwinds, especially with ongoing supply chain issues and pandemic related restrictions and constraints to global travel.”
Piston helicopter deliveries dropped by one unit with 37 shipped in Q1 2020 and 36 in Q1 2021. Turbine helicopter shipments rose 8.2 percent from 85 to 92 over the same time period. Total airplane billings increased 18.1 percent to $3.93 billion and total helicopter billings rose 26.2 percent to $544 million for Q1 2021.
