Cirrus leads Aircraft Deliveries for 2014

Cirrus Aircraft has topped the general aviation aircraft delivery figures for the second year running.

According to figures released overnight from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Cirrus shipped 277 SR22s and 31 SR20s for a total of 308 aeroplanes in 2014, a 12% increase over 2013.

It is the best result for Cirrus since the global financial crisis began in 2008.

Todd Simmons, Chief Customer Officer and Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Support at Cirrus Aircraft attributes the result to continued development of the aircraft and services.

"In just the last 12 months, we have added compelling new features and capabilities to our line of piston aircraft, reached new milestones in customer flight safety, implemented global direct parts distribution, added employees in Duluth and Grand Forks and flown three new conforming Vision Jets,” he said

“2014 was not only a strong year for new aircraft deliveries at Cirrus, but just as important we made substantial progress in key areas across the enterprise that are critical for growth ahead. Investing in the future, continuing to promote safety and enhancing the customer experience defined Cirrus Aircraft in 2014."

Although Cirrus' result positioned them as Number One in the market delivery-wise, their growth was eclipsed by that of the Cessna C172SP, which recorded an annual figure of 155 aircraft delivered, an increase of 46% over the previous year. With the standard C172R now effectively off the market (no deliveries in 2014) and the Skylane JT-A delayed, the 172SP has become the mainstay of Cessna's piston sales.

Hot on the heels of the Kansas company is Diamond Aircraft. With 136 DA-40 singles shipped in 2014 (an increase of 33%), the Austrian firm took second place in the category. However, the DA-42 dominated the twin piston market, with 50 sold compared to 2013's result of 22 aircraft. Rivals Beechcraft and Piper would need to combine sales of the Baron (40) and Seneca (10) just to equal Diamond's effort.

In all, general aviation aircraft deliveries world-wide were up 4.3% with the main growth coming in the piston market. By contrast, the once-bouyant single-engine turbo-prop market sank by 6.5%

"The mixed results among segments indicate that the general aviation manufacturing industry is still facing headwinds given the tepid U.S. economic recovery and the political and economic uncertainies in Europe," GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said.

"The 2014 year-end numbers make crystal clear the need for GAMA's priorities in 2015 - specifically, reform that facilitates the introduction of new safety-enhancing products to market, reduces the inconsistent application of regulations, and strengthens the global engagement and cooperation among aviation authorities."

Major Shipments 2014