[Avionics Today May 20, 2014] Global sales of General Aviation (GA) avionics systems, components and accessories totaled $651.7 million for the first three months of 2014, according to the first quarter avionics market report released by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA).
Total first quarter sales increased 11.2 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the report. AEA collects sales figures from 22 U.S.-based avionics manufacturers, including Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Universal Avionics among others.
"It is encouraging to see total avionics sales in the business and general aviation market grow by more than 11 percent from the same time period one year ago," said Paula Derks, AEA president. "This report is another positive economic indicator for the general aviation industry, which continues its recovery from the recession."
Derks and AEA are looking to use the report to show the value of the GA electronics industry to the economy, when discussing future FAA funding with lawmakers. The group is also hoping that as it continues to compile more reports–
the first was released last year–its member companies can use the information to attract new investors.
The report shows that more than 50 percent of sales consisted of forward-fit avionics to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), while 49.3 percent came from retrofit avionics equipment installed after original production.
Included in the report for the first time was a separation among domestic and international sales. The separation showed that North America remains the largest market for avionics manufacturers, as 63 percent of the sales volume occurred in the U.S. and Canada, with the remaining sales going to international markets.
"This report provides valuable information to promote the business and general aviation avionics industry to investors and inform elected officials of its global economic value," said Derks.