Aircraft shipments increased across all segments during the first quarter (Q1) of 2022 compared to the same time period last year, according to the First Quarter 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report (PDF) published by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) on Thursday. GAMA reported that turboprop airplanes saw the biggest jump with a 31 percent rise in shipments from 84 in Q1 2021 to 110 in Q1 2022. Piston airplane shipments rose to 263 compared to 231 in the first quarter of last year, marking a 13.9 percent increase. Business jet deliveries rose 4.4 percent to 118 in Q1 2022. Overall airplane shipments increased 14.7 percent.
“This report shows increasing light airplane deliveries from a number of companies that have leveraged the new CS/Part 23 airworthiness standards for both new aircraft models and upgrades,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “The upward trajectory in light airplane segment is attributable to the regulatory reforms undertaken by several regulatory bodies that enable new technology and new aircraft and entrants. We are optimistic that further implementation of these standards across global regulators will continue to advance safety while bringing new and exciting aircraft to the GA market.”
On the rotorcraft side, overall helicopter shipments increased 7 percent, seeing 39 piston and 98 turbine helicopters delivered last quarter compared to 36 and 92 respectively in Q1 2021. However, aircraft billings dipped, with total airplane billings coming in at $3.7 billion, a 5.9 percent drop relative to $4.0 billion in last year’s Q1. Total helicopter billings fell 17.3 percent from $0.6 billion in Q1 2021 to $0.5 billion in Q1 2022.
Textron hasn’t sold a Bonanza since Q4, 2020. Yikes.
Are they made and just sitting unsold? Or are Bonanzas made only when an order comes in?
Textron’s sales force is not really interested in selling Bonanzas anyway. They are all out pushing the latest corporate jet or the new turboprop cargo hauler. That’s where the real money is. Bonanzas have to compete with Cirrus SR22s, which have a 9+ month lead time in orders. It is kind of ironic that the lead photo for the story is of a Bonanza front end.
While Bunce likes to blow sunshine at the forecast, this all still looks like the law of small numbers to me. When 10 or 20 additional planes can swing the needles that far, we are still producing way too few new planes. Gee, I wonder if the exorbitant price of airplanes could be a factor?
Cirrus SR22 = 60.
Bonanza and Barons = 0.
The worm has certainly turned in this space.
With a 182 going for close to a million dollars, and a 172 over a half million, just who are the buyers?
For half million dollars, who would invest in a 40 – 50 year old aircraft design? Textron appears to be positioning itself to back out of the piston market. by default. That, and we can all read the tea leaves on avgas price and availability. Pls… just how many new pilots will be needed over the next 15 to 20 years given the rapidly evolving specter of AI as the real manipulator of aircraft controls… and navigator for aircraft flights?
On the other hand, the 50 year old airframes that have been maintained, upgraded, and remain relatively corrosion free are following the path of existing homes and ‘used’ cars… Their prices are at worst sold and more likely climbing.
A new aircraft market that can only produce – then SELL – fewer than 5,000 units per year has no economies of scale and no real future.