In 2007, deliveries of business aircraft surged
General aviation manufacturers enjoyed another record-breaking year last year, with billings totaling $21.9 billion, up 16.5 percent from the previous year

General aviation manufacturers enjoyed another record-breaking year last year, with billings totaling $21.9 billion, up 16.5 percent from the previous year, and worldwide shipments reaching 4,272 airplanes, up 5.4 percent. For the first time ever, shipments of jets exceeded the 1,000-per-year milestone, climbing to 1,138 last year. Turboprops were also a bright spot, up 11.1 percent, while piston airplane shipments declined 2.9 percent but still recorded their second best year in more than two decades.

While the 2007 numbers are good news for the general aviation industry by any measure, manufacturers face three big challenges: difficulty finding qualified personnel, continued contraction of the pilot population and delays in modernization of the ATC system.