Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

General aviation airplane shipments in the first quarter ticked up 2.3 percent from a year ago, though billings slid 10.9 percent, according to data released today by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Overall, the industry shipped 434 airplanes worth $3.6 billion in the first three months.


Piston airplane shipments increased 6.3 percent, to 203 units, in the first quarter, while business jet deliveries climbed 6.6 percent, rising from 122 last year to 130 in the most recent first quarter. Since Dassault reports deliveries only at half- and full-year intervals, the first-quarter business jet numbers do not include any Falcon shipments.


The number of pressurized business turboprops handed over to customers in the quarter plunged 42.8 percent year-over-year, from 50 to 35 airplanes, almost entirely the result of fewer King Air deliveries. During the first three months, Textron Aviation handed over 12 King Airs, down from 26 a year earlier.


“The first quarter shows mixed results for our industry, but with several bright spots,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “We expect future growth to be driven by the introduction of new products, which underscores just how important it is for the U.S. Congress to pass certification reform legislation to facilitate the future of aviation manufacturing.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

GAMA: 1Q Bizjet Shipments Rise, Turboprops Plunge

Overall, the general aviation industry shipped 434 airplanes worth $3.6 billion in the first three months.

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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