LSA Market Shares Stabilize But Change On Horizon

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Key Takeaways:

  • The Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) industry experienced significant growth in July 2007, with fixed-wing registrations increasing by 11% (71 aircraft) in one month, contributing to a 60% total growth since January 1st, reaching 904 airplanes.
  • Overall, 1,134 Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) are flying in all categories, with Czech aircraft holding the largest country share at 31%.
  • Market share among leading LSA companies remained largely stable, but this is anticipated to change with the confirmed entry of major manufacturers like Cirrus (2008) and Cessna (2009), with Cessna already securing over 700 orders for its Skycatcher.
  • Aviation leaders now widely declare that the LSA category is "here to stay."
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If you want more information on the leaders or any certified Special Light Sport Aircraft visit our SLSA List. Source: FAA registrations elaborated by Jan Fridrich of the Czech Light Aircraft Association. Czech aircraft comprise 31% of all LSA, the largest single country (USA has 25%).

In the month of July 2007 the LSA industry registered 71 more aircraft bringing the total to 904 fixed wing airplanes. That represents a spurt of 11% in one month and an even 60% growth in registered LSA since January 1st 2007. *** In all categories, Americans are flying 1,134 SLSA. Weight Shift aircraft registered an additional 27 aircraft, powered parachutes added 6 and LSA gliders achieved their first registration. *** The leading companies (see chart) were barely changed with the top five holding nearly identical market share from last month. CubCrafters inched up a notch and Czech Aircraft Works narrowly passed Remos. Further down the market share list, positions still saw little fluctuation. This equilibrium will surely be disturbed with the entry of Cirrus (by August 2008, they say) and Cessna* (in the second half of 2009) but for 27 months, customers have generally kept their brand loyalties. *Cessna reported more than 550 sales in the week of AirVenture Oshkosh. Cirrus’ SRS prototype drew large crowds at their display. Many aviation leaders finally declared, “LSA is here to stay.” UPDATE: AvWeb reported today that Cessna now has 720 orders for Skycatcher.

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