The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its report of general aviation aircraft shipments and billings through Q2/20 (June 30). Piston, turboprop, business jet and helicopter deliveries declined across all segments during the first six months of 2020 as compared with the same period in 2019.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the general aviation industry and its global operations in the second quarter. During those months, while the global aerospace supply chain was significantly degraded and national, state and local pandemic restrictions changed routinely on both sides of the Atlantic, many companies supplemented their activities to support the healthcare response with the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment. With facilities conducting operations in a ‘new normal’ work environment, what has been very encouraging is that the supply chain has begun to stabilize and robust screening procedures and innovative work station COVID-19 mitigation protocols have resulted in very few virus transmission incidents,” Pete Bunce, president and CEO of GAMA, said. “While continued mandated and voluntary restrictions on international business travel are producing stiff headwinds, flight activity for business aviation has appeared to return to around 85% of pre-pandemic levels in U.S. domestic airspace, while piston, turboprop and rotorcraft flight activity has actually increased. Many travelers have also opted to explore the utility of general and business aviation for the first time, which we hope will translate into future customers for the incredible and versatile products and services our industry has to offer.”

Aircraft shipments through the first six months of 2020, when compared with the same period in 2019, experienced a decline in piston airplane deliveries of 13.3% (497 units). In addition, turboprop airplane deliveries declined 34.2% (152 units) and business jet deliveries declined 26.7% (244 units). The value of airplane deliveries through Q2/20 was $7.9 billion, a decline of approximately 20.2%.

Turbine helicopter deliveries for the first six months of 2020, when compared with the same period in 2019, declined 37.1% (188 units) and piston helicopter deliveries declined 45.2% (63 units).