Fewer VLJ deliveries forecast this year

Germany-based aerospace consultancy PMI-Media has lowered its estimated very light jet (VLJ) delivery schedule for this year based on production difficulties Eclipse Aviation has encountered. In its latest report, PMI said it has reduced its total VLJ industry deliveries forecast by nearly half, from 205 to 125. (The FAA estimates 350 deliveries this year.) Looking toward the future, the report shows an order backlog of more than 4,000 VLJs from 14 different manufacturers. The Eclipse 500 alone accounts for more than half of that number, leading the consultants to speculate that continued delivery delays could result in a surge of orders for more experienced airframers, such as Embraer and Diamond, though deliveries from the two are still years away and yet to be substantiated. The full report, which forecasts the VLJ market for the next 10 years, is available for purchase from PMI-Media.