New aircraft shipments were slightly down in the first quarter of 2012 when compared with the same period in 2011. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that 369 aircraft were delivered to customers from January to March, which is 2.1% down on the 377 delivered last year.
Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 184 units in the first three months of 2012 compared to 188 units delivered during the same time period in 2011, a 2.1% decrease. Turbo-prop shipments were up 3.3% from 61 units in 2011 to 63 units in 2012. Business jet shipments totaled 122 units, a 4.7% decrease over the 128 units delivered during this same period in 2011.
“The first quarter shipment data shows mixed performance across the segments,” said GAMA's President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “One continuing concern is the lack of available financing around the world. An important step forward would be for the US Congress to quickly reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. The lending authority of the bank spurs sales which are essential to revitalizing the manufacturing sector. The House passed their version of the legislation yesterday and we urge the Senate to quickly follow-suit."
Some notable figures below (2011 in brackets).
Beech Bonanza: 4 (5)
Beech Baron: 3 (5)
Cessna 172: 25 (18)
Cessna 208B: 12 (11)
Citation Mustang: 7 (11)
Cirrus SR20: 19 (4)
Cirrus SR22: 26 (57)
Diamond DA40: 21 (10)
Diamond DA42: 8 (16)
GA8 Airvan: 6 (2)
PAC 750XL: 3 (3)
Piper Warrior: 8 (4)
Piper Seminole: 4 (0)