Aug. 12, 2020
The avionics market took a significant hit from the COVID-19 pandemic during the first half of this year, with total global sales dropping by nearly one-quarter over the same period in 2019, according to a report published this week by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA).
According to AEA’s Second Quarter Market Report, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales by 20 participating companies came to $1.15 billion, a 23.6% decline from the first half of last year. Sales dropped 37.3% in the months of April, May and June as the pandemic spread across North America.
Assuming that trend holds, 2020 year-end sales figures will likely come in well under the more than $3 billion in global sales reported in 2019, which was also the highest recorded amount since AEA began tracking business and GA numbers in 2012.
AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson said the substantial decrease in year-to-date figures was expected in the current environment. “However,” he continued, “I remain optimistic that our industry will be poised for recovery as our shops and manufacturers continue their essential operations, legislators continue to address key employment initiatives, and our industry amplifies the immense value of business and general aviation as an economic catalyst.”
Of the $1.15 billion in sales during the first half of 2020, 53.3% came from retrofits, while avionics sales to OEMs amounted to 46.7% of the total. Companies distinguishing between North America and other international markets reported 74.6% of their year-to-date sales came from the U.S. and Canada, while 25.4% was derived from other markets.
AEA derived all figures and percentages from net sales prices for all recorded business and GA aircraft electronic sales, including hardware, batteries, upgrades and all required components and accessories. Quoted amounts do not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty or subscription services.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.