Business Jets Are Flying High

ByJohn S. McClenahen Ten more business jets were delivered in the first quarter of this year than in the first three months of 2000. And that difference helps propel the general aviation industry to a new first-quarter billings record of $2.1 billion, says Washington-based General Aviation Manufacturers Assn. A total of 568 aircraft were delivered in this year's first calendar quarter, 45 fewer than a year ago, with declines in deliveries of both piston-powered and turboprop airplanes more than offsetting the gain among business jets.