Trainers lead Q1 Shipment Boom

Training aircraft led further growth in GA shipments in the first quarter of 2023, according to figures released last week by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Shipments of GA aeroplanes were up 10% in Q1 2023 over the same period in 2022, with turbo-props recording an increase of 6.4%. Analysis of the most popular airframes in the training fleet show a comparative increase of 21% in shipments.

“The continued health of general aviation manufacturing industry is encouraging, particularly in light of persistent supply chain, workforce and North American regulatory process challenges," said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce.

"Our manufacturers are focused on meeting this thriving product demand with new aircraft which incorporate advanced technologies that further enhance safety and fuel performance.

"During this transformative time in aerospace, our manufacturers continually demonstrate that our sector is the technology incubator for safety and sustainability."

Piper's PA28 scored the most shipments for the quarter, with the figures for the Archer III and Pilot 100 combining for 29 deliveries, even though this was 12% down on Q1 2022. The best increase came from Cirrus' SR20, of which 13 were rolled-out to customers, 63% better than 2022. Cessna's C172SP was up 30% with 26 deliveries and Diamond's DA40 was up 40% with 28 airframes delivered. Tecnam's P-Mentor recorded its best quarter since certification (13 shipments), showing a 550% increases, and the P2010 was up 36% with 15 airframes delivered.

It was business as usual in the large singles sector, with the SR22/T streets ahead of the competition despite shipment results that were effectively flat against Q1 2022. The 59 airframes sent out against the 11 of second-placed C182T demonstrates a gulf that is likely to remain for many quarters to come. Piper had a disappointing quarter with the M350, shipping only one airframe, their lowest result since the COVID devastation of Q1 2020 when none were delivered.

Diamond's dominance of the twin market continued with the Austrian manufacturer building 11 DA42s and 15 DA62s for the quarter, representing increases of 38% and 67% respectively. Piper's Seneca once more didn't trouble the scorers, meaning no new examples have been shipped out of Vero Beach since the end of 2020.

The SETP sector result was bolstered by the Cessna Caravan range, which was up 19%, and the Daher TBM 900 series, which returned figures 150% better than last year. Demand for the Pilatus PC-12 was down 15%, but the type's 11 deliveries was good enough for second place behind the Caravan's 19. Analysis of the most common types showed an overall increase of 9% for Q1 2023.

Cirrus' SF50 Vision again proved itself to be the most popular single-pilot jet on the market, with the 18 shipments a 64% increase over the same period last year. Pilatus' PC-12 also finished the quarter strongly with 10 aircraft rolled out, a result 43% better than 2022. Honda had a soft quarter, shipping only one example of the HA420.

Major Aircraft Shipments