2007 was banner year for private jet sales

In what was a record year for private jet sales, Bombardier has emerged as the industry’s top dog. The Canadian conglomerate’s aerospace division topped over $5.2 billion on orders of 226 private jets in 2007, according to the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA). Bombardier’s strong showing is owed to the strong reception of the company’s Global Express XRS, which tops the group’s comprehensive range of Challenger and Learjet aircraft.

Bombardier was closely followed by General Dynamic’s Gulfstream Aerospace with billings of $4.83 billion, led by strong demand in the heavy jet category for its G550 and G500 jets. Textron’s Cessna Aircraft remained particularly strong in the light and mid-sized jet category. The Wichita, Kansas-based manufacturer, who last week unveiled plans for its long-range Citation Columbus, billed $3.91 billion. Dassault Aviation rounded out the top four with orders totaling $2.32 billion.

The banner year for private jet sales was bolstered by strong international demand, coupled with steady domestic sales. Last year saw a 28.4 percent increase in private jet sales over the 886 sold in 2006, as sales breached the one thousand mark for the first time. A record 1,138 aircraft were sold in 2007, according to the GAMA.

With an extensive backlog, and a number of new jets poised to enter the market—in particular some long awaited Very Light Jets—analysts are predicting that private jet sales should remain strong through 2008 and beyond.

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