GAMA Publishes Second Quarter 2020 Report

On Sept 14, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its report of general aviation aircraft shipments and billings through the second quarter of 2020 (June 30). Piston, turboprop, business jet and helicopter deliveries declined across all segments during the first six months of 2020 as compared to the same period of 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 health care response with the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment.

First Half Aircraft Shipments and Billings

Aircraft Type

2019

2020

Change

Piston Airplanes

573

497

-13.3%

Turboprops

231

152

-34.2%

Business Jets

333

244

-26.7%

Total Airplanes

1.137

893

-21.5%

Total Airplane Billing

$9.9B

$7.9B

-20.2%

Piston Helicopters

115

63

-45.2%

Turbine Helicopters

299

188

-37.1%

Total Helicopters

414

251

-39.4%

Total Helicopter Billing

$1.5B

$0.97B

-35.5

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 workstation COVID-19 mitigation protocols have resulted in very few virus transmission incidents," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.

"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 85percent 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 to the same period in 2019, saw piston airplane deliveries decline 13.3 percent, with 497 units; turboprop airplane deliveries decline 34.2 percent, with 152 units; and business jet deliveries decline 26.7percent, with 244 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2020 was $7.9 billion, a decline of approximately 20.2 percent.

Turbine helicopter deliveries for the first six months of 2020, when compared to the same period in 2019, saw a decline of 37.1 percent, with 188 units; and piston helicopter deliveries saw a decline of45.2 percent, with 63 units.

GAMA's complete 2020 second quarter report can be found at gama.aero.

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