The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments through the third quarter rose 6.6% over the same period last year, from 1,419 to 1,513 shipments.

GAMA noted that billings for GA airplanes worldwide in the first nine months reached $15.4 billion, up 24.5% from the same period last year, when they totaled $12.4 billion.

Single and multi-engine turboprop shipments continued their positive trajectory, increasing 9.3% and 42.4%, respectively, this year. Piston engine airplanes increased 7.9% to 667 shipments compared to 618 airplane shipments in 2012. However, business jet shipments were down from 430 units in the first nine months of 2012 to 421 in 2013.

“The strong level of energy and positive mood of customers at NBAA’s convention this month reflects the industry’s continued recovery from the recession and gives GAMA members good reason to feel optimistic about the future,” GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce said. “While our members enjoyed another strong quarter of billings, not all of the news is good; the industry still faces significant challenges, particularly in the small and mid-size jet markets.”

To read the GAMA news release click here.