The General Aviation Manufacturers Association on Friday released its first-quarter shipment report, showing continued growth in deliveries of business turboprops and jets. While general aviation piston airplane shipments fell, year-over-year numbers for turboprops grew by 30.5 percent (an increase of 59 units) and 12.2 percent for business jets (up 23 aircraft). The numbers show a current shift that favors business aircraft and account for a mild drop in overall general aviation shipments (from 847 to 842, year-over-year), while billings rose 11.3 percent to $4.5 billion. “Markets outside North America continue to account for nearly half of total business jet shipments,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce, who predicts that the GA industry will continue to enjoy robust shipments throughout 2007″ as a result of strong economic growth in markets outside of North America. The numbers confirm sustained delivery rates that maintain announced production schedules, according to Bunce. Shipments by geographic region of origin showed 665 aircraft for North America, five for South America, 156 for Europe and 16 for the rest of the world.
