According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s 2021 general aviation aircraft shipments and billings report, Overall, when compared with 2020, all aircraft segments experienced increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $25.2 billion, an increase of 10.2% compared with 2020.

“The strength and tenacity of the general aviation industry has provided a strong foundation for the industry to rebound from pandemic-related setbacks with a powerful showing in 2021,” Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the GAMA, said. “Total aircraft shipments are converging on figures that were seen before the outset of the pandemic. The industry has been able to weather the storm by strategically managing workforce and supply chain challenges, which unfortunately are still ongoing. Despite this adversity, there is robust interest and excitement in our industry as we continue to further our advancements in innovation, technology and environmental sustainability.”

Airplane shipments in 2021, when compared with 2020, led to a 5.5% increase in piston airplane deliveries (1,393 units), a 19% increase in turboprop airplane deliveries (527 units) and a 10.2% increase in business jet deliveries (710 units). The preliminary value of airplane deliveries for 2021 was $21.6 billion, an increase of approximately 7.6%.

Piston helicopter deliveries for 2021, when compared with 2020, increased by 27.5% (181 units) and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries increased by 24.8% (645 units). The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2021 was $3.7 billion, an increase of approximately 28%.

The piston engine airplane market in North America accounted for 68.7% of overall shipments. The second largest market for piston airplanes for the seventh year in a row was the Asia-Pacific market (14.4%). Turboprop airplane shipments to North American customers accounted for 52.6% of the global deliveries. The second largest market for turboprop airplane deliveries was the Latin American market (15.7%). The North American market accounted for 65.9% of business jet deliveries. The second largest market for business jet deliveries during the year was Europe (18%).

Year-End Aircraft Shipments and Billings