Thursday, November 5, 2009

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has released a grim assessment of the industry's third quarter shipment and billings.

The trade group reported Thursday that the airplane shipments fell 46.8%. That is just 1,587 planes so far this year, compared to 2,982 at this time a year ago.

Billings are also down 23.5% to $13.8 billion.

GAMA President Pete Bunce blames the weak economy for the downturn. But he also says a contributing factor has been unwarranted negative attacks on business aviation.