General Aviation Industry Skyrockets: $14.3B in Billings with Business Jets Spearheading Growth
The general aviation industry is soaring to new heights in 2026, as per the latest data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The Second Quarter 2026 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report by GAMA reveals a remarkable 15.5% surge in overall airplane billings to $14.3 billion in the first half of the year. This is a significant increase from $12.4 billion during the same period in 2025, indicating a robust demand across the sector.
A total of 1,458 aircraft were shipped through Q2 2026, marking a 1.7% year-over-year increase. Leading the growth were business jets, with an impressive 8.2% increase to 383 deliveries. This was followed by turboprops, which saw a 7.8% increase to 289 units. Conversely, piston airplanes were the only segment to experience a decline, dropping 3.1% to 786 units. In the rotorcraft segment, civil helicopter deliveries grew 4% to 419 aircraft, generating billings of $2.2 billion.
Cirrus Aircraft outperformed all GA airplane manufacturers with 405 shipments, including 196 turbocharged SR22s and 57 SF50 Vision Jets. Textron Aviation followed closely with 333 shipments, including 107 Skyhawk SPs. Gulfstream led the business jet deliveries with 79 aircraft. This report highlights the continued strength in premium aviation, despite the challenges faced by entry-level piston training aircraft.
Source: AVweb – Business Jets, Turboprops Lift Q2 GA Shipments (September 2026)