Third Quarter Shipments herald Industry Stability

Aircraft shipments for the third quarter of 2024 show the global general aviation industry has reached a period of stability according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

The figures GAMA published overnight show that total aeroplane shipments reported are up 6.5% over Q3 2023, with only turbo-props recording a decline in deliveries.

Manufacturers shipped a total of 2157 aeroplanes for the July-September quarter against the 2030 delivered for the same period last year.

"The health of our industry remains stable, which allows our companies to invest in technology and innovation that drives improved safety and sustainability for all civil aviation sectors," said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO.

"With new sessions and assemblies of governments set to convene shortly in both the US and Europe, GAMA will continue to make the case to government leaders about the essential nature of the general and business aviation industry.

"Our message is simple and direct: we are ready to work with leaders on constructive policies to support the continued growth and societal health of countries and communities globally through business and general aviation products and operations."

In the four-seat trainer market, the five sample aircraft returned figures of 156 shipments compared to 153 last year. Cessna's C172SP returned to the top of the table after being eclipsed in Q2 by both the Piper PA-28 and SR20. Cessna shipped 48 airframes to customers (up 20%) in Q3, whilst 36 SR20s (up 20%) and 34 PA-28s (down 15%) were delivered.

It seems nothing can touch Cirrus in the high-speed single market, with the 139 SR22/T (up 2%) continuing its decades-long dominance despite increases in demand for the Cessna Skylane (13 deliveries – up 86%) and Diamond DA50RG (11 shipments – up 175%).

With the iconic Beechcraft Baron and Piper Seneca failing to make a mark on the scoresheet, it was left to Diamond to prop up the twin market. Fourteen DA42s (up 17%) and 16 DA62s (up 45%) were shipped for the quarter, which maintained the stability for the sector.

Several models contributed to a disappointing result in the single-engine turbo-prop market, with Cessna's flagship Caravan series recording a 29% drop in demand over last year and the Kodiak series (down 25% – representing one airframe only) and Daher TBM series (down 21%) following suit. Deliveries of the Pilatus PC-12 were even, but Piper's M-series SETPs saved the sector with demand for the M700 Fury strong. Piper shipped 23 M-series for the quarter, which was a 92% increase over 2023. Epic also had a satisfying quarter, delivering seven E1000GX airframes, up 75% on last year.

In the single-pilot jet sector, Embraer and Cirrus continued to slug it out for leadership, with 22 Phenoms and 19 SF50 Visions keeping the two manufacturer's toe-to-toe. Nearly all manufacturers in this market recorded increases in shipments, expect for Pilatus, whose PC-24 was one airframe down on last year.

Major Aircraft Shipments