Shipment Figures show further Growth

The second quarter 2023 shipment figures published overnight show a healthy increase of 10.5% over the same period in 2022.

In all, 1299 new aeroplanes and 451 helicopters were delivered to customers, highlighted by a 43% leap in demand for the Cirrus SR22 range.

Pete Bunce, CEO and president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), said the sustained welfare of the GA manufacturing industry depended on stable and responsible regulation.

“The growth of our industry remains strong as manufacturers continue to deliver and take orders for new aircraft.

"As we look towards the future, it will be imperative that we have stability, accountability and sound direction from regulatory authorities, particularly in the United States.

"Not only does the FAA need an effective permanent leader during this transformative time for aviation, but the agency is in the process of being reauthorized by Congress.

"We are encouraged by the bipartisanship we have seen throughout the legislative process and hope that the momentum to finalise an FAA reauthorisation bill continues to build so that the agency can enhance its ability to deliver critical activities that promote safety, innovation and efficient promulgation of rules, policy and guidance that preserve global aerospace leadership."

Cessna won the battle for the hearts and minds of the flying schools, with the C172SP recording a 29% leap in shipments with 54 airframes delivered against the 42 of last year. Piper has combined the statistics of the Pilot 100 and the Archer III, both being PA28s, and reported shipments of 38 aeroplanes, which is 27% better than the combined results for Q2 2022. Diamond's DA40 (33) was down 18%, and Tecnam shipped 14 P2010s, which was 56% better than last year.

It was business as usual in the high-speed single market with the Cirrus SR22/T streets ahead; Duluth reporting 123 roll-outs compared with 86 for Q2 2022. No other aircraft in the category recorded double-figure deliveries.

The twin market had a disappointing quarter, with most models showed flat or negative growth. The stand-out was Diamond's DA42 trainer, of which 18 were shipped, twice as many as last year. 

Conversely, the single-engined turbo-prop (SETP) market was bouyant, with positive growth reported across most lines. Daher's TBM 900 series had a blinder of a quarter, shipping 16 airframes against the 3 in Q2 2022. For those keeping score, that's a 433% increase. Pilatus' PC-12 held it's ground with 28 deliveries, 33% up on last year, and Cessna's Caravan series experienced 11% growth in demand and the Piper M500/600 8%. Most interesting was NZ Skydive reporting one PAC 750XL delivered. This is the first one since Q3 2020.

Major Aircraft Shipments