The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published its Q1/26 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first three months of 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, show increased shipments in the piston airplane and business jet sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments.
Aircraft shipments through the first quarter of 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, saw piston airplanes increase 6.4% with 381 units, turboprops decrease 3.1% with 124 units, and business jets increase 14.9% with 162 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the first quarter of 2026 was $6.1 billion, an increase of 19.1%.
Helicopter shipments through the first quarter of 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, saw piston helicopters decrease by seven units to 47, and turbine helicopters decrease by 9.0% with 121 units. The value of civil-commercial helicopter deliveries was $789 million.
Three Month Aircraft Shipment & Billing
Aircraft Type 2025 2026 % Change
Piston Airplanes 358 381 +6.4%
Turboprops 128 124 -3.1%
Business Jets 141 162 +14.9
Total Airplanes 627 667 +6.4%
Total Airplane Billings $5.1B $6.1B +19.1%
Piston Helicopters 54 47 -13.0%
Turbine Helicopters 133 121 -9.0%
Total Helicopters 187 168 -10.2%
Total Helicopter Billings $769M $789M +2.5%
