Worldwide Sales Boost GA’s Record-Breaking Growth

Honeywell’s 2007 Business Aviation Outlook forecasts the delivery of approximately 14,000 new business aircraft through 2017, generating industry sales of $233 billion. For this year alone, the delivery of more than 1,000 new business jets was forecasted — up from 861 in 2006. Next year 1,300 deliveries are expected.

Year-to-date, the number of aircraft delivered is up almost 11 percent over 2006 and industry-wide sales are up just over 12 percent, according to Honeywell Aerospace. New jet orders have risen more than 100 percent over first half 2006 levels. The industry has grown every year since 2003. Survey respondents, from around the world, expect to replace or expand roughly 33 percent of their fleets over the next five years, up from about 26 percent, reported in the 2006 survey.

The world region with the highest five-year purchase expectations remains the Asia/Africa/Middle East category — which benefits from higher oil prices and a significant number of active buyers. Purchase expectations for the category grew a fifth consecutive year to record levels exceeding 50 percent, the highest rate in the survey’s history.

In Europe, purchase expectations of 47 percent were significantly up over 2006. The Euro’s strength against the dollar and business expansion in Eastern Europe and Russia are clear incentives to buy new aircraft.

Aircraft age and range improvement remain key reasons for replacing aircraft in every world region cited in the survey. Other factors include improved speed, comfort and updated technology in avionics and engines.