Cirrus Aircraft Highlights: 2012 Aircraft Shipments

DULUTH, Minn., (February 14, 2013) - On February 12, 2013 the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry's 2012 shipment and billing summary at its annual "State of the Industry" press conference in Washington, D.C. (gama.aero)  

"Cirrus Aircraft's annual performance was highlighted by a steady quarterly rise in airplane deliveries throughout 2012, capped off by strong year-end sales," said Todd Simmons, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. "While we sold essentially the same number of airplanes in 2012 as the previous year, we strengthened the business through efficiency improvements and increased the value per aircraft delivered. We are continuing both these trends in the new year."

Simmons continued, "We opened 2012 with the introduction of 60/40 FlexSeating™, offering true 5-person capacity across the model line. Mid-year was highlighted by both the acceleration of the Vision SF50 Jet program and the selection of Cirrus Aircraft by the French Air Force for its training fleet. We ended the year with both strong retail sales and the completion of our most important engineering project in several years. Continuing our commitment to innovation and increasing customer value, we start 2013 by offering a game-changing 200 lbs gross weight increase for SR22 and SR22T - the single most requested improvement from our customers. It is truly the 'most Cirrus ever' and initial customer response to this next generation airplane has us even more optimistic about 2013."

The SR22/SR22T Remains The Best-Selling Aircraft in its Class for More Than 10 Consecutive Years

Cirrus experienced strengthening demand throughout 2012 as deliveries increased to 84 SR-Series airplanes in the fourth quarter. This consistent quarter-over-quarter improvement and overall steady annual demand has been unique to Cirrus since the industry downturn in late 2008. Cirrus Aircraft remains the leader in the high performance single engine piston market with SR22/SR22T share having grown to over 70 percent.

Simmons added, "Smart small businesses are investing in growth. Many Cirrus owners use their airplane as a critical business tool and purchased a new Cirrus in 2012 - or are planning to do so in 2013 - for exactly that purpose. A Cirrus can be just as important a business asset as logistics equipment, key technology or critical personnel for example. A Cirrus enables efficient regional travel, allowing business owners to reach more customers or colleagues in a single day." 

Global Fleet Growth Stands Out in 2012

Cirrus Aircraft fleet sales have been a significant source of growth with the completion of the United States Air Force Academy deliveries early in the year, the French Air Force mid-year and several other fleet deliveries throughout. This increase in fleet sales at Cirrus last year pushed market share for the SR20 to its highest in Cirrus' history¹.

Cirrus Demonstrates Manufacturing Excellence in 2012

World-class engineering, manufacturing and quality are sources of pride at Cirrus Aircraft. Cirrus understands that a partnership with the FAA is the most effective way to build new aircraft and Cirrus has fostered a proactive relationship since the beginning.