VERO BEACH, FL., Feb. 22, 2019 - Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced today a 48% increase in aircraft deliveries for 2018 as well as a 38% increase in total aircraft billings.
Piper's segment leading growth was distributed across both primary product lines, Trainer and M-Class aircraft. Global Piper trainer demand increased more than 50% YOY. Sales of the robust single engine Archer grew by nearly 50% YOY, while twin-engine Seminole deliveries rose 117%. Additionally, sales of Piper's M-Class products, which include the M350, M500 and the M600, expanded by 36%, driving Piper's total 2018 aircraft billings to $263M, up by more than $71M vs 2017. International deliveries of Piper products showed growth of 12%, with an increase in M-Class deliveries to Brazil being a primary factor.
In addition to Piper's sales success, during 2018 Piper Aircraft announced the certification of G1000 NXi in the Seneca, M350 and M500s, the appointment of three new Piper dealers and the largest trainer order in company history. The continued rise in demand for Piper trainers drove order backlog to nearly 700 aircraft entering 2019 and had a positive Vero Beach community impact with a 14% employment increase to 1,000 plus total.
"2018 was an exceptional year for Piper Aircraft as we continued to deliver a measurable impact for customers, and our employees. Together with our world-class Dealer Partners the results reflect our unrelenting commitment to serving customers with quality and distinction," said Simon Caldecott, President and Chief Executive Officer at Piper Aircraft. "Over the past year, we have increased strategic investments in our facilities and products to better position Piper Aircraft to support the growing but stable demand for our diverse product lines. We also have expanded our efforts and investments to drive innovation while achieving strong financial results."
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series - the M600, M500, and M350 - offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Personal Class Seneca V, Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
