For the first time since 2008, worldwide deliveries of business jets were higher than the previous year, according to 2013 year-end numbers released yesterday by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Airframers handed over 678 business jets last year, six more than in 2012.

Overall, general aviation billings increased by 24 percent year-over-year as well, totaling $23.4 billion. These billings were the second-largest number recorded after 2008, when billings were $24.8 billion, GAMA said.

Cessna, which for two decades delivered more business jets each year than any other manufacturer, handed over 139 Citations in 2013, a decrease of 23 percent. It was, however, surpassed last year in deliveries by both Bombardier (at 180) and Gulfstream (at 144), the latter showing a better than 53-percent increase in production over 2012. Dassault and Embraer also logged improvements last year.

The pressurized turboprop segment saw a nearly 24-percent rise year-over-year, boosted by Beechcraft, which in a bounce-back year emerged from Chapter 11 protection and shed its business jet division. “The industry’s positive numbers across all categories fuel cautious optimism as we move into 2014,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce.