The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the worldwide 2014 year-end aircraft billing and shipment numbers at its annual “State of the Industry” press conference.

GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce reported for the year, total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments rose 4.3%, from 2,353 units in 2013 to 2,454 units in 2014.

Billings for GA airplanes worldwide increased to $24.5 billion, up 4.5% from $23.4 billion in 2013. This fixed-wing billings increase marks the second-largest sales value recorded after 2008, when billings were $24.8 billion.

Business jet shipments rose to 722 units, an increase of 6.5% from the 678 business jets shipped in 2013. Shipments of piston-engine airplanes were positive, rising 9.6% in 2014. Turboprop shipments declined, however, by 6.5% to 603 units.

GA said rotorcraft shipments slowed for both piston and turbine aircraft compared to the previous year. A total of 230 rotorcraft and 741 turbine rotorcraft were shipped in 2014, which is a 31.3% and a 22.4% reduction, respectively, from the strong deliveries posted in 2013.

“The mixed results among segments indicate that the general aviation manufacturing industry is still facing headwinds given the tepid U.S. economic recovery and the political and economic uncertainies in Europe,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “The 2014 year-end numbers make crystal clear the need for GAMA’s priorities in 2015 – specifically, reform that facilitates the introduction of new safety-enhancing products to market, reduces the inconsistent application of regulations, and strengthens the global engagement and cooperation among aviation authorities. We will continue to press forward on these issues, especially as the FAA reauthorization moves forward this year in the U.S. Congress and major general aviation regulatory change takes shape in Europe.”