Piper Aircraft has experienced an increase in sales of 126% for the second quarter of 2018, a figure the company says is a result of demand for its trainer range.
The company announced yesterday that sales of the twin-engined Seminole had lept 150% over the same time last year, and the single-engined Arrow and Archer combined for an 85% jump in sales.
"Flight training organizations are selecting the Piper brand not only because we are the only OEM to provide a full trainer product line up, but because of our demonstrated commitment to the trainer market," said Piper Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support, Ron Gunnarson.
"It is our desire to develop long term relationships with our customers that reach far beyond the sale of the aircraft."
Piper has found great success with fleet sales to universities and flight training academies, and now has an order book that stretches well into the third quarter of 2019.
Piper attributes the increase in demand to a looming pilot shortage and the resulting demand for more pilots.
Piper released the sales results ahead of the General Aviation Manufacturers' Association (GAMA) Q2 delivery figures, which are expected to be made public next week.