New airplane deliveries logged during the first six months of 2012 point to “positive signs” for the manufacturing sector, said an industry association.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said airplane shipments increased 5.9 percent during the first six months of 2012 from the corresponding period in 2011. The $8.2 billion value of airplanes delivered marked a 13.2-percent increase over the year-ago period.
“We are starting to see positive signs in the 2012 shipment data,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “When coupled with the positive trend we are seeing in the used market, we may finally be witnessing the start of our recovery.”
In its Aug. 9 news release, GAMA said it saw “signs of stability” in statistics including a 13.1-percent increase in business jet deliveries (294), and growth in turboprop delivery activity from 220 units to 243. The piston aircraft delivery figure remained “basically flat,” with a decline of 1.6 percent.
While noting hopeful signs, Bunce cautioned that “significant impediments” remained to bringing innovative, safety-enhanced products to recovering markets.
“While we have seen positive steps by FAA’s leadership to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the certification process, much work remains to be done to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by improving and emerging markets," he said.
