General aviation aircraft shipments increased globally in the first three quarters of 2022 (compared to the same period last year), confirming a trend of post-Covid recovery. Data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) show that a total of 1,841 aircraft were delivered between January and September 2022, representing a 6.7% increase in the aeroplane segment and 6.3% in the rotorcraft sector.
Announcing the result, the CEO of GAMA, Pete Bunce, said: “Demand for general aviation aircraft remains hardy as our industry continues to strategically navigate ongoing challenges, which include issues with supply chain and workforce shortages within our industry and within global regulatory authorities. Deliveries are converging on, and in some cases surpassing, the levels we were experiencing prior to the pandemic”.
The piston-engine segment showed particular strength, recording a yearly increase of 8.8%, compared to the same timeframe last year, with 1,012 aircraft delivered through the third quarter of 2022. The most popular model was the Cirrus SR22T (with 154 delivered), followed by the Cessna 172 (118), Cirrus SR22 (86), and Diamond’s DA40 (85).
PHOTO: CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
