Business jet market soars, rotorcraft stumbles in 1H24: GAMA

The business aviation industry experienced a significant surge in the first half of 2024, according to a second quarter 2024 aircraft shipment and billing report published by General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). 

Business jet deliveries increased by nearly 9% year-over-year (YoY), while total airplane billings soared by more than 24% to $11.3bn. However, the rotorcraft segment faced a downturn with a 5.1% decline in shipments and a 10.2% drop in billings during the same period.

“Through the first half of 2024, we continue to see robust demand for new aircraft, as indicated by the impressive backlogs and plans for facility expansion by many of our OEMs. Our constraints continue to be ongoing supply chain and workforce recapitalisation issues…,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO, GAMA .

Jet manufacturers take flight

Among jet manufacturers, Gulfstream Aerospace led the way with a remarkable 35% increase in deliveries. The company’s large-cabin segment delivered 52 twinjets, 17 more than in the previous year.

Dassault also saw a significant boost, delivering three more Falcon jets than in the first half of 2023.

Bombardier and Embraer Executive Jets also reported increases in jet deliveries. However, Textron Aviation and Honda Aircraft experienced declines delivering 79 and four jets, respectively.

Meanwhile, Airbus and Boeing delivered one delivery each in the first half.

Rotorcraft market faces headwinds

The rotorcraft market faced challenges, with overall shipments declining due to a decrease in turbine deliveries. While piston helicopter deliveries increased slightly, the overall market was impacted by lower demand for turbine-powered models.

Airbus Helicopters, Bell, and Leonardo all reported declines in rotorcraft deliveries. While Airbus and Leonardo saw decreases across multiple models, Bell’s decline was primarily driven by lower sales of its 429 light twin.