Shipments of general aviation aircraft last year increased significantly over 2005, resulting in another record high in billings and an all-time high in business jet deliveries. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), member OEMs shipped 4,042 piston and turbine airplanes, 12.9 percent more than the 3,580 delivered in 2005. The record high for billings totaled $18.8 billion, a 24.1-percent increase over 2005. All the major turbine business airplane manufacturers reported more shipments, with Bombardier, Cessna and Gulfstream setting delivery records. Nevertheless, the percentage growth of all GA aircraft types, except for pressurized turboprops, was less last year than 2005’s increase over 2004. For example, the 885 business jets delivered last year represented an 18-percent increase over the 750 shipped in 2005, while the 750 jets shipped in 2005 represented 27 percent more than the 591 delivered in 2004. Meanwhile, last year was a milestone for the very light jet segment, as GAMA reported initial deliveries in the fourth quarter of the new Citation Mustang and Eclipse 500.