Worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales fell 7.1 percent year-over-year, to roughly $1.07 billion, in the first six months of 2021, according to data released yesterday by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA). However, AEA’s quarterly 2021 Avionics Market Report did show that second-quarter sales increased 2.1 percent, to nearly $500.1 million, from a year ago.
The retrofit market accounted for 55 percent of these sales during the first half, while forward-fit sales made up the remainder. According to the companies that separated their total sales figures by world region, 75.2 percent of their year-to-date sales volume occurred in North America (U.S. and Canada) and 24.8 percent took place in other international markets.
“While it's encouraging to see a modest increase in sales compared to the second quarter of last year, this report is somewhat mixed as it ended a string of sales increases over the preceding nine months,” said AEA president and CEO Mike Adamson. “The avionics industry is still facing some headwinds with various supply chain issues and global travel restrictions. With new products and services entering the market, the resounding success of recent trade shows, and resilient consumers, there are still positive signs for general aviation to continue its climb.”
Dollar amounts reported by AEA for its quarterly business and general aviation aircraft electronic sales reports use net sales price, not manufacturer's suggested retail price. They include all components and accessories in cockpit/cabin/software upgrades/portables/certified and noncertified aircraft electronics; all onboard hardware; batteries; and chargeable product upgrades from the participating manufacturers. Amounts do not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty, or subscription services.