The general aviation manufacturing sector experienced a complex year in 2025, with varied performance across different aircraft types. Recent data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) provides a detailed look at production numbers, revealing which companies are thriving and where challenges remain. Whereas overall shipments offer a broad view of the industry, a closer examination of individual manufacturers highlights the nuances of this dynamic market, with some operating more like bespoke workshops than mass producers.
The data, released on February 18, 2026, during GAMA’s State of the Industry press conference, indicates a continuing recovery, albeit an uneven one. The industry continues to navigate supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainties, and evolving consumer preferences. Understanding these trends is crucial for investors, policymakers, and anyone involved in the future of flight. GAMA’s report provides a critical benchmark for assessing the health of this vital sector, which plays a significant role in transportation, recreation, and economic development.
Piston Aircraft Production: Cirrus Leads the Way
Cirrus Aircraft maintained its dominant position in the piston aircraft market in 2025, delivering a total of 797 aircraft, including both piston and jet models. The Minnesota-based manufacturer produced 152 SR20s, 155 SR22s, and 384 SR-22Ts. Adding to this, 106 of their SF50 jets were delivered. Cirrus has held the top spot in its segment for over two decades, successfully attracting a new customer base drawn to the independence of personal aviation and the continuous development of new versions of their popular SR series. The company’s success is a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Textron Aviation, encompassing Cessna and Beechcraft, followed with 322 piston aircraft. Production included 191 Cessna CE-172S Skyhawk SPs, 44 CE-182T Skylanes, 33 CE-T182 Turbo Skylanes, 43 CE-T206H Turbo Stationairs, 6 Bonanza G36s, and 5 Baron G58s. The enduring popularity of the Skyhawk, a staple for flight training, underscores the continued demand for reliable and affordable aircraft. Diamond Aircraft reported 235 deliveries, comprising 18 DA20s, 81 DA40s, 51 DA42s, 15 DA50s, and 70 DA62s. Tecnam Aircraft delivered 216 units, including 34 Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs), 48 P2008JCs, 44 P-Mentors, 30 P2006Ts, 46 P2010P Twenty Tens, and 14 P2012 Travellers. Piper Aircraft produced 215 piston aircraft, with 188 PA-28/181/Archer/Pilot 100is geared towards flight schools and 27 PA-44/180 Seminoles.
Niche manufacturers also contributed to the piston market. CubCrafters, known for its replicas of the Piper Super Cub, delivered 73 aircraft, including 42 Cub LSAs, 18 XCub/NXCubs, and 13 NXCubs. Pipistrel produced 53 aircraft, consisting of 30 Alpha Trainers, 4 VSWs, 18 Virus SW121 Explorers, and a single Virus SW128 Velis Electro, highlighting the limited operational scope of the electric aircraft at present. Extra Aircraft maintained a steady pace with 24 aircraft, comprising 10 Extra 300s and 14 Extra NGs. Elixir Aircraft delivered 22 aircraft in its 912iS configuration, while American Champion produced 17 aircraft from its Citabria, Scout, and Decathlon series. Avic, a Chinese manufacturer, produced a total of 15 aircraft across five different models, falling short of expectations for a broader market impact.
Turboprop Deliveries: Textron and Pilatus Dominate
In the turboprop segment, Textron Aviation led with 146 deliveries, including 8 CE-208 Caravan 675s, 78 CE-208B Grand Caravan EXs, 23 King Air 260s, 23 King Air 360 ERs, and 14 CE-408 SkyCouriers. The Caravan continues to be a workhorse for regional transportation and cargo operations. Pilatus followed closely with 82 PC-12s, alongside 50 PC-24 jets. Daher delivered 76 aircraft, including 13 Kodiak 100s, 12 Kodiak 900s, and 51 TBM960s, which have replaced the TBM910. Piper Aircraft delivered 76 turboprops, including 15 PA-46-350Ps, 13 PA-46-500TPs, 1 PA-46-600P, and 47 PA-46/701TP Furys. Epic Aircraft delivered 28 aircraft, comprising 7 E1000 GXs and 21 E1000 AXs. Thrush Aircraft delivered 20 S2R aircraft of two different types. Piaggio Aerospace delivered 3 P180 Aventi Evos, while NZAero delivered only 1 E-350 Expedition and no PAC 750XLs.
Helicopter Shipments: Airbus Remains at the Forefront
Airbus Helicopters led the helicopter market with 373 deliveries, including 136 H125/125Ms, 57 J130s, 44 H135/135Ms, 96 H145/145Ms, 29 H160s, 9 H175s, 12 H225/225Ms, and no Tigre helicopters. Robinson Helicopter followed with 256 deliveries, including 19 R22 Beta IIs, 9 R44 Cadets, 30 R44 Raven Is, 122 R44 Raven IIs, and 76 R66s. Bell delivered 169 helicopters, including 84 Model 505s, 48 Model 407GXi, 28 Model 429s, 1 Model 429WLG, and 8 Model 412EPXs. Leonardo delivered 113 helicopters, including 28 AW119s, 13 AW109s, 47 AW139s, 19 AW169s, 5 AW189/149s, and 1 AW159. Guimbal Helicopters delivered 20 Cabri G2s, while Schweizer delivered 4 units (2 S300Cs and 2 S300CBis). Sikorsky Aircraft delivered 2 S-92s, and Enstrom Helicopter delivered 2 F28F/280FXs.
These figures paint a picture of a general aviation industry navigating a complex landscape. While some manufacturers are experiencing strong demand and growth, others face challenges in maintaining production levels. The ongoing impact of global economic conditions, supply chain constraints, and evolving technological advancements will continue to shape the industry’s trajectory in the years to come. The General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA), intended to shield manufacturers from prolonged product liability, continues to be a relevant factor in the industry’s legal and economic environment. More information on GARA can be found here.
Looking ahead, the industry will be closely watching for further developments in sustainable aviation fuels, electric propulsion technologies, and autonomous flight systems. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize general aviation, making it more efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible. GAMA will release its full year-end report with more detailed analysis in the coming months, providing further insights into the performance of the general aviation industry.
The next key date for industry updates is GAMA’s next press conference, scheduled for February 18, 2027. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on these trends and their implications for the future of flight in the comments below.