The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today released the worldwide 2013 year-end aircraft billing and shipment numbers at its annual “State of the Industry” press conference at the Newseum.

GAMA Chairman Steve Taylor, President of Boeing Business Jets, reported that for the year, total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments rose 4.3 percent, from 2,164 shipments in 2012 to 2,256 shipments in 2013. Billings for GA airplanes worldwide also increased to $23.4 billion, up 24 percent from 2012, when they totaled $18.9 billion. Billings in 2013 were the second-largest number recorded after 2008, when billings were $24.8 billion.

Shipments of single- and twin-engine turboprop airplanes were once again positive, rising 3.7 percent and 45.7 percent, respectively, this year. Turboprops rose from 584 units sold in 2012 to 645 units in 2013, a 10.4 percent increase. Piston-engine airplanes increased as well to 933 units for the year, an increase of 2.7 percent from the 908 units sold in 2012. Business jet shipments were also in positive territory, up 0.9 percent over 2012, from 672 units to 678 units. Finally, GAMA captures several helicopter manufacturers as part of the year-end report. Shipment results point to an increase of 2.1 percent in piston helicopter deliveries in 2013 to 335 units while the turbine helicopter segment also indicates positive results compared to the prior year.

“The industry’s positive numbers across all categories fuel cautious optimism as we move into 2014,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “The introduction of new products will be key to strong future growth, which is why GAMA continues to work with authorities across the globe to streamline certification processes. It is also why GAMA pushed so hard for adoption of the Part 23/CS-23 Aviation Rulemaking Committee recommendation and then followed by spurring the Small Airplane Revitalization Act, one of the few bills to be passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Obama last year. We hope 2014 brings an even stronger commitment by policymakers and aviation authorities to make it easier for general aviation manufacturers to introduce new, safety-enhancing products to market and allow our industry to continue to grow.”