The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the 2022 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry press conference. Overall, when compared to 2021, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments, and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $26.8 billion, an increase of six per cent.

“The general aviation manufacturing industry continues to show increasing strength despite workforce and supply chain challenges across our industry,” says Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “Our product development across the spectrum of fixed wing, rotorcraft and advanced air mobility vehicles is spurred by the recognition that our industry is the safety and sustainability technology incubator for global civil aviation. These safety, performance and sustainability efforts are built upon progress with lighter weight materials, new structural and wing designs, fly-by-wire control replacing heavy hydraulic systems, additive manufacturing reducing the number of parts, lighter weight and more reliable avionics, and engines and airframes that can fly on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel blend. Of course, the impressive list of progress doesn't even begin to touch on the revolution of electric, hybrid and hydrogen propulsion our companies are developing. As we look towards FAA reauthorisation in the U.S., we will be looking for Congress to focus the FAA on improving their processes to facilitate the certification of new technologies as well as support their validation efforts globally to deliver safety, performance and sustainability benefits.”

Aircraft shipments in 2022, when compared to 2021, saw piston deliveries increase 8.2 per cent, with 1,524 units; turboprop deliveries increase 10.4 per cent, with 582 units; and business jet deliveries increase to 712 units from 710. The value of airplane deliveries for 2022 was $22.9 billion, an increase of approximately 5.8 per cent.

Piston helicopter deliveries for 2022, when compared to 2021, saw an increase of 7.2 per cent, with 194 units; and preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter increase 7.6 per cent, with 682 units. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2022 was $4.0 billion, an increase of approximately 6.8 per cent.

Textron Aviation delivered more jets and turboprops to customers in 2022 than any other business aircraft manufacturer, according to GAMA.

“We are honoured that our customers continue to choose Textron Aviation as their aviation solutions provider,” says Lannie O'Bannion, senior VP of global sales and flight operations. “We are proud of our entire team for this accomplishment. Textron Aviation would not be the leader in general aviation for more than nine decades without their passion and commitment. They are the true legends behind our success.”

The strong delivery performance in 2022 featured a combination of new products and familiar aircraft. Three new aircraft, the Cessna SkyCourier, Citation XLS Gen2 and Citation M2 Gen2, were certified and delivered, while other products continued to be the aircraft of choice of customers around the world.

For the 11th consecutive year, Embraer's Phenom 300 series has become the world's best-selling light jet. Embraer delivered 59 Phenom 300 series light jets in 2022 to achieve this milestone, and to date the series has accrued more than 700 deliveries.

The Phenom 300 series is in operation in 36 countries and has accumulated nearly one million, eight hundred thousand flight hours. These achievements highlight the company's reputation for safety, quality, continual aircraft improvement and innovation, with best-in-class capabilities, including range, speed, cabin pressurisation and industry-first technology.

“It's no coincidence that the Phenom 300 is once again the best-selling light jet in the industry,” says Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “For 11 consecutive years, it has continued its strong momentum in the market and outperformed for our loyal customers, whether through best-in-class range and speed or by offering the highest residual value of any aircraft in the market. This distinction is a true testament to Embraer's ability to deliver the ultimate experience to its customers through truly innovative aircraft.”

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) is pleased to congratulate GAMA member companies on their rising billings and shipments in 2022. The aircraft resale association's comments followed the release of annual new aircraft shipment report recently at GAMA's 2023 State of the Industry press conference here in Washington, DC.

“Higher deliveries and the substantial backlog by GAMA member companies will contribute to further normalising the business aircraft resale marketplace, which is good news for aircraft buyers and sellers and our industry in general,” comments IADA vice chair Phil Winters, who is VP of aircraft sales and charter management for Western Aircraft in Boise, Idaho.

Winters and IADA executive director Wayne Starling, representing the resale association, both commented on the increase in deliveries. “Continued increasing deliveries of turbine powered business aircraft demonstrate that the aircraft industry is continuing to successfully address supply chain issues, which will bolster the depleted inventory of aircraft available for resale,” Starling adds.

IADA members recorded 1,399 business aircraft transactions in 2022, another record year, while the available inventory of preowned aircraft for sale has remained low. GAMA companies reported delivery of 1,294 new turbine powered aircraft in 2022, and with a substantial backlog anticipate increasing production.