According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s Q2/23 general aviation aircraft shipment and billing report, in the first six months of the year, aircraft deliveries were up across all segments compared with the same period in 2022. In addition, there was an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments in the first half of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022.
“The growth of our industry remains strong, as manufacturers continue to deliver and take orders for new aircraft. As we look towards the future, it will be imperative that we have stability, accountability and sound direction from regulatory authorities, particularly in the United States,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the GAMA, said. “Not only does the FAA need an effective permanent leader during this transformative time for aviation, but the agency is in the process of being reauthorized by Congress. We are encouraged by the bipartisanship we have seen throughout the legislative process and hope that the momentum to finalize an FAA reauthorization bill continues to build so that the agency can enhance its ability to deliver critical activities that promote safety, innovation and efficient promulgation of rules, policy and guidance that preserve global aerospace leadership.”
According to the GAMA, aircraft shipments of piston airplanes increase 11.4% to 713 units through 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, while aircraft shipments of turboprops increased 17.4% to 290 units and aircraft shipments of business jets increased 2.4% to 296 units. The value of airplane deliveries through Q2/23 was $9.2 billion, an increase of 1.4% compared with the same time period in 2022.
Helicopter shipments increased when compared to the second half of 2022, with piston helicopter deliveries increasing 28.7% to 112 units and turbine helicopter deliveries increasing 30.4% to 339 units. The value of helicopter deliveries increased 29.9% to $1.9 billion as well.
Aircraft Shipment and Billing in First Six Months of the Year
| Aircraft Type | 2022 | 2023 | % Change |
| Piston Airplanes | 640 | 713 | +11.4% |
| Turboprops | 247 | 290 | +17.4% |
| Business Jets | 289 | 296 | +2.4% |
| Total Airplanes | 1,176 | 1,299 | +10.5% |
| Total Airplane Billings | $9.1B | $9.2B | +1.4% |
| Piston Helicopters | 87 | 112 | +28.7% |
| Turbine Helicopters | 260 | 339 | +30.4% |
| Total Helicopters | 347 | 451 | +30% |
| Total Helicopter Billings | $1.4B | $1.9B | +29.9% |
