GAMA: Business jet sales on strong pace through first half of 2025

There appears to be little to slow the market momentum for new business jets, at least if this year’s first half delivery figures are a guide.   The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its Second Quarter 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report, revealing a first half of the year marked by strong growth in key segments. 

Through June 30, 2025, shipments of general aviation piston airplanes and business jets both climbed compared to the same period a year earlier, while turboprops and helicopters registered modest declines in unit deliveries. Still, the overall dollar value of shipments rose, underscoring continued hot demand for new aircraft, especially higher-priced models. 

Business jets led the way in the first half of 2025, with deliveries climbing 9.9% to 354 aircraft compared with 322 in the same period last year. Piston airplanes also posted strong results, rising 5.1% to 810 units, up from 771 a year earlier. 

Turboprops, by contrast, experienced a 4.3% decline, with deliveries falling to 268 units from 280 in the first half of 2024. Even so, the combined tally of airplane shipments across all categories reached 1,432 aircraft, up from 1,373 a year ago. That 4.3% growth, paired with higher-priced models reaching customers, pushed the total value of airplane billings to $12.3 billion — a 9.9 percent increase year-on-year, according to GAMA. 

The picture was more level in the rotorcraft segment. Piston helicopter shipments dipped slightly, down one unit from last year’s 107 to 106 so far in 2025. Turbine helicopter deliveries also eased, slipping 2.3% to 302 units from 309. Overall, total helicopter shipments fell to 408 units, off nearly 2% from 416 in the first half of 2024. 

Despite the softer shipment totals, the value of civil-commercial helicopter billings climbed sharply. Deliveries through June totaled $2 billion, a more than 20% jump from $1.7 billion in the same period a year earlier. The increase points to demand shifting toward larger or more capable turbine helicopters, even as overall unit demand levels out. 

Industry heavyweights in their respective segments continued to drive the numbers. Cirrus Aircraft maintained its place atop piston airplane deliveries, reporting 350 shipments so far this year. Textron Aviation also posted strong results, with 300 units across its piston, turboprop and jet lines. 

On the rotorcraft side, Airbus Helicopters led the way with 132 units delivered. Robinson Helicopter followed closely with 129, while Leonardo delivered 70. Together, these manufacturers accounted for the bulk of the helicopter deliveries reported so far in 2025. 

The general aviation market has been climbing steadily out of the brief pandemic slump, with 2023 and 2024 showing renewed strength in several sectors. The first half of 2025 continues that momentum in piston aircraft and business jet deliveries, suggesting strong demand from private owners, flight schools, and corporate operators alike. 

The dip in turboprop shipments, however, may signal shifting buyer preferences or challenges tied to operating costs and competition. Turboprops have traditionally filled the niche between piston airplanes and light jets, offering efficiency for regional and special-mission operators, but growth in light jet sales appears to be drawing demand toward faster, longer-range aircraft. 

Deliveries typically climb in the second half of the year, and manufacturers appear poised for a strong finish to the year, though the effects of tariffs could impact the final tally. For now, GAMA’s latest data paints a picture of an industry solidly on firm footing. With total billings across airplanes and helicopters topping $14 billion through the first half of 2025, the general aviation sector remains a significant driver of aerospace activity worldwide. The post GAMA: Business jet sales on strong pace through first half of 2025 appeared first on AeroTime.

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