Q1 2026 Aircraft Shipments Soar: GAMA Reports 19% Revenue Increase
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released its first quarter results for 2026. The report reveals a total of 667 aircraft shipped, amounting to a billed revenue of $6.85 billion. This represents a 19% increase in revenue compared to the same period in the previous year. The robust performance indicates a continued strong demand across various aviation segments, despite significant variations in market dynamics by aircraft category.
Business jets were at the forefront of this growth, with 162 aircraft delivered in Q1 2026. This marks a 14.9% increase compared to the 141 units delivered in Q1 2025. The majority of these business jet shipments were made to the United States, accounting for 121 aircraft. Europe, on the other hand, received only 10 deliveries.
- Gulfstream led the high-end market, billing $2.4 billion on 38 aircraft deliveries.
- Cirrus Aircraft shipped the most units overall, with 196 aircraft totaling approximately $293.4 million.
- Textron followed closely, with 156 aircraft valued at $955.6 million across 22 different models.
Industry analysts have noted that an increase in new aircraft production, particularly in the high-end business jet market, typically stimulates the used aircraft market. This is due to owners trading up to newer models, thereby creating opportunities for mid-market buyers. However, the turboprop segment showed a slight downward trend, which could potentially indicate a softening in used turboprop prices in the coming months.
Source: Global Air