Market weakens slightly for piston manufacturers
By AOPA ePublishing staff
Piston-engine aircraft sales are down slightly for the third quarter of 2007, but manufacturers remain optimistic.
Shipments of piston airplanes manufactured worldwide decreased by 6 percent, going from 1,975 for the third quarter of 2006 to 1,857 shipments this year. Turboprop shipments, however, were up by 14.5 percent, and jet shipments saw a 20.9-percent increase, according to figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
"This is the third consecutive quarter where growth in the piston market has wavered. We are encouraged, however, by the industry's commitment to strengthening this segment with the introduction of products that will bring new pilots and new customers into this market," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. "The good news is that our manufacturers in this segment have not reported a noticeable decline in interest in the piston market."
Cessna Aircraft shipped the most single-engine airplanes with 507 when combining the 172 Skyhawk, 182 Skylane, and 206 Stationair lines. Cirrus Design, however, shipped the most four-seaters with 461. Diamond isn't far behind with 356 shipments for its two- and four-seat models.
Columbia Aircraft shipped 131 followed by Hawker Beechcraft with 81; Mooney Airplane, 59; American Champion, 50, Eclipse Aviation, 48; Maule Air, 30; and Liberty Aerospace with 28.
November 8, 2007
