• Cessna's 180-hp Skyhawk is now the standard C172 offering. (Textron Aviation)
    Cessna's 180-hp Skyhawk is now the standard C172 offering. (Textron Aviation)
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General aviation aeroplane shipments around the world went into a significant decline in the first quarter of 2020 according to data released this week by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Piston-engine aeroplane deliveries were down nearly 12% on Q1 2019 and turbo-props dived by close to 42% for the same period last year.

GAMA has attributed the results to the crippling restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus.

“While the year started off strong, the health and safety restrictions put in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic began to significantly impact global operations, supply chains and deliveries towards the end of the first quarter," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce.

"Companies rapidly implemented a wide range of health protocols in accordance with local, regional and national level guidance to keep production, maintenance and training activity churning. Many companies then supplemented ongoing activities with the production and transport of health care materials needed by front line health care workers and communities across the globe.

"These actions serve as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of our industry’s incredible workforce who will play such a pivotal role in our recovery process."

However, among the carnage, Cessna's Skyhawk logged 48 deliveries, a remarkable 71% increase compared to 2019 and the best Q1 for the venerable C172 platform since the 68 shipments recorded in 2007. It is also the best result for any three-month period since 54 aircraft were dispatched to customers in Q4 2017.

Conversely, Piper's Archer III, which had led the four-seat piston sector throughout 2019, was down 49% with only 18 aircraft delivered. Diamond's DA40 and the Cirrus SR20 also recorded softer figures.

The downturn was felt most strongly in the turbo-prop sector, with only the Pilatus PC-12 able to hold its head high. Eleven PC-12 were shipped in Q1 compared to 12 for the starting quarter of 2019. Cessna's Caravan figures were punished with only five examples delivered in contrast to the 21 logged for Q1 2019; a drop of 76%. The Daher/Quest Kodiak 100 recorded no shipments at all, likewise the PAC 750 XL.

They weren't alone. Ducks were also scored by the Piper M350, Mooney Ovation/Acclaim, Piper Seneca, Cessna T206H and GippsAero Airvan 8.

In the high-speed market, shipments of the world-beating Cirrus SR22/T dropped 32% with only 39 aircraft dispatched.

Overall, the result left the Cessna Skyhawk as the most delivered type for the first quarter of 2020.

Major Aircraft Shipments Q1 2020

Aircraft Q1 2020 Q1 2019 Change
Piper Warrior III 0 0 -
Cessna C172SP 48 28 71%
Piper Archer III 18 35 -49%
Diamond DA40 14 17 -18%
Cirrus SR20 8 9 -11%
Tecnam P2010 8 8 0%
       
Cessna C182T 2 5 -60%
Beech G36 Bonanza 2 1 100%
Cirrus SR22/T 39 57 -32%
Cessna TTx 0 0 -
Piper M350/Matrix 0 7 -100%
Mooney Ovation/Acclaim 0 2 -100%
       
Beech G58 Baron 2 0 -
Piper Seminole 4 9 -56%
Piper Seneca V 0 0 -
Diamond DA42 10 5 100%
Tecnam P2006T 8 11 -27%
Diamond DA62 5 9 -44%
       
Cessna Caravan Series 5 21 -76%
Quest Kodiak 100 0 7 -100%
Pilatus PC12 11 12 -8%
Daher TBM 900 Series 4 8 -50%
PAC 750XL 0 2 -100%
Piper Meridian/M500/M600 3 7 -57%
       
Cessna Mustang & M2 3 8 -63%
Eclipse 550 0 0 -
Embraer Phenom 100 & 300 5 8 -38%
Honda HA420 7 7 0%
SF50 Vision 18 14 29%
Pilatus PC24 7 5 40%
       
Cessna T206H 0 2 -100%
GippsAero Airvan 8 0 4 -100%

 

 

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