Business Jet Sales Set New Record

The business-jet boom continues, even as (and partly because) domestic commercial aviation continues to deteriorate. Foreign sales are driving some of the growth, incidentally. Here are the new figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association:

***

"WASHINGTON, DC, August 7, 2008 – Today, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced second quarter shipment and billings figures. Industry billings continue at a record-setting pace totaling $12.1 billion, a 24.1 percent increase in the first half of 2008. ...

FIRST SIX MONTH SHIPMENTS OF AIRPLANES MANUFACTURED WORLDWIDE

2007 2008 CHANGE

PISTONS 1226 1034 -15.7%

TURBOPROPS 186 222 +19.4%

BUSINESS JETS 476 663 +39.3%

TOTAL SHIPMENTS 1888 1919 +1.6%

TOTAL BILLINGS $9.8B $12.1B +24.1%

###