Aircraft market steady in 2025

GAMA unveiled the 2025 totals February 18, with total airplane deliveries rising to 3,230, a 2.2-percent increase over 2024. Piston airplane shipments also increased slightly to 1,782 units, while business jet deliveries climbed 11.8 percent to 854 aircraft. Turboprop shipments declined by 5.1 percent, declining from 626 to 594 aircraft.

While the number of aircraft delivered increased 2.2 percent, total revenue increased to a $31 billion—an increase of 16.1 percent—driven by sales of jets including the arrival of new flagships from Gulfstream, which announced FAA certification of the G800 in April, and Bombardier, which celebrated the Global 8000's arrival in November.

Beyond delivery data, GAMA leaders stressed the broader economic importance of GA. In the United States, GA supports $339 billion in total economic impact and 1.3 million jobs.

GAMA also pointed to its work protecting the civil aerospace supply chain during global tariff discussions, noting that the industry has benefited from “a zero‑tariff environment since 1979.” The association is also watching the upcoming review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement.

In terms of modernization, GAMA remains a founding member of the Modern Skies Coalition (a group that advocates for updated airspace technology; improved aircraft certification processes; and safer, more efficient operations). The association continues to support safety management systems, ADS‑B In mandates with certification flexibility, Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification implementation under the FAA, and planning for advanced air mobility integration. Congress has approved a $12.5 billion initial investment in air traffic control modernization. So far, funding has helped upgrade 37 percent of telecom connections, improve 612 radar sites, convert 162 radio sites, equip 13 towers with electronic flight strips, and launch 52 new surface safety initiatives. However, another $20 billion is expected to be needed to fully modernize the system.

A major part of sustaining the system is attracting younger people to aviation careers. One key challenge—despite a strong market—is workforce capacity, from manufacturing and skilled trades to maintenance and technical roles.

“That workforce is aging and retiring. We need more young people to go into aerospace, and we need them to go into highly skilled positions, whether they're electricians, or machinists or A&P mechanics," said Chairman and President of GAMA and CEO of Textron Aviation, Ron Draper.

The 2025 report reinforces GA’s resilience and global reach.