Delivery figures for 2013 as reported to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) show a 24% increase in sales revenue over 2012.
According to GAMA, fixed-wing sales were $US23.4 billion for the year compared with the previous annual figure of $US18.9 billion. The return is the highest recorded by the industry since 2008.
In delivery terms, manufacturers shipped 2256 aeroplanes against the 2164 of 2012, a change of only 4%.
“The industry’s positive numbers across all categories fuel cautious optimism as we move into 2014,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “The introduction of new products will be key to strong future growth, which is why GAMA continues to work with authorities across the globe to streamline certification processes."
The discrepancy in growth between dollars (24%) and shipments (4%) could be attributed to a shift towards higher-ticket aircraft.
One of aviation's most successful aircraft, the standard C172, did not get a score on the board, yet 106 of the 180-HP C172SP were sold. That is reflected also at Piper, where only two of the venerable Warriors were sold against 48 Archer III.
At Cirrus the SR22s (244) swamped the SR20 (32), and the DA40 (102) was the clear winner at Diamond over the two-seat DA20C1 (14).
The trend continued in to the entry-level jet sector where the Embraer Phenom 300 (60) doubled the sales of the smaller Phenom 100 (30) and the Cessna CJ4 (33) out-paced the Mustang (20).
The biggest mover for the year was clearly the Piper Archer III. After having sold only four aeroplanes in 2012, the 2013 figures point towards a successful strategy of re-focusing the company on the training sector.
"The economics of our single-engine aircraft and our line of sophisticated and proven training aircraft is compelling to many aviators and pilot training institutions around the world," said Piper CEO Simon Caldecott.
"Our performance substantiates Piper's recommitment to the global pilot training market. This next year will continue to present economic challenges and consequently we expect a similar pace of deliveries matched to market performance."
A similar result for Beechcraft, which grew its fleet by 64% after having started the year under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. Deliveries of the G36 Bonanza (35) and G58 Baron (35) both show improved figures, with the Baron taking the lead in the light twin market over the Seneca V and DA42 (22).
Beech's Wichita rivals, Cessna, did not enjoy much of the industry growth, with the C172SP, C182, T206H, C208B Grand Caravan and Citation Mustang all showing a decrease in returns for 2013. On the plus side of Cessna's ledger are the 21 Corvalis TTx sold for the year. Although still only 10% of the deliveries reported for the SR22s, Cessna has clearly taken a small bite out of the market.
Quest Aircraft's Kodiak 100 continues to impress with 28 shipments in 2013 compared with 15 in 2012. The 87% increase is the highest growth of any single-engine turbo-prop. Moderate growth for the TBM850 (5%), Pilatus PC12 (5%) and Piper Meridian (6%) is offset by the 2% drop of the C208B Grand Caravan.
Movements of Common Aircraft
| Aircraft | 2013 | 2012 | Change |
| Diamond DA40 | 102 | 93 | 10% |
| Piper Archer III | 48 | 4 | 1100% |
| Cessna C172SP | 106 | 113 | -6% |
| Cessna C208B Grand Caravan | 94 | 96 | -2% |
| Quest Kodiak 100 | 28 | 15 | 87% |
| Socata TBM850 | 40 | 38 | 5% |
| Pilatus PC12 | 65 | 62 | 5% |
| Piper Meridian | 34 | 32 | 6% |
| Cirrus SR22 (includes turbo) | 244 | 169 | 44% |
| Beechcraft G36 Bonanza | 35 | 12 | 192% |
| Cessna Corvalis TTx | 21 | - | - |
| Cessna C182 (includes turbo) | 39 | 67 | -42% |
| Beechcraft G58 Baron | 35 | 24 | 46% |
| Piper Seneca V | 22 | 17 | 29% |
| Diamond DA42 (all) | 22 | 28 | -21% |
| Cessna T206H | 37 | 40 | -8% |
| GippsAero GA8* | 12 | 14 | -14% |
| Cessna 510 Mustang | 20 | 38 | -47% |
| Embraer Phenom 100 | 30 | 29 | 3% |
| Bombardier Learjet 45/45XR | 1 | 24 | -96% |
*GippsAero figures are estimated by GAMA because the company is on a 31 March reporting year and the final deliveries are not yet in. Deliveries are expected to exceed the estimation.