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% in one month, contributing to a 60% year-to-date growth and bringing the total number of registered SLSA across all categories to 1,134.
  • While the top market leaders maintained stable positions, the upcoming entry of major manufacturers like Cirrus (2008) and Cessna (2009) is anticipated to disrupt the market, with Cessna already securing hundreds of orders for its Skycatcher model.
  • The strong market growth and the impending involvement of established aviation leaders confirm a consensus that the LSA category is now a permanent and growing segment of the aviation industry.
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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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