Textron Aviation experienced a challenging 2024, marked by a labor strike and subsequent production disruptions, but the company concluded the year with positive momentum and strong demand across its portfolio. Reporting its fourth-quarter and full-year results this morning, Textron outlined its financial performance, aircraft deliveries, and strategic developments while projecting a promising outlook for 2025.

Textron Aviation delivered 32 jets and 38 commercial turboprops in the fourth quarter, down from 50 jets and 44 turboprops during the same period in 2023. The year-over-year decline highlights the impact of the labor strike, which disrupted production for approximately one-third of the quarter. Deliveries of light jets—including the M2 Gen2, CJ3+, and CJ4 Gen2—were particularly affected, as was the overall production cadence.

In the quarter, the company reported revenues of $1.3 billion, down $242 million year over year. Segment profit for the quarter was $100 million, a $93 million decrease from fourth-quarter 2023, driven by lower volume and manufacturing inefficiencies.

Textron Inc. chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly addressed the challenges and achievements of 2024 during the company’s earnings call. “2024 results were impacted by work stoppage at Aviation and difficult end markets in our industrial segment,” Donnelly said. “While the strike was unfortunate, we did take this opportunity to significantly improve our parts flow to the production line, which we expect will reduce our outstation work and improve efficiency going forward.”

During the quarter, five M2 Gen2s were delivered, down from nine in the same period last year, along with four Citation CJ3+s, down from eight; five Citation CJ4 Gen2s, down from eight. Textron Aviation also delivered one Citation Sovereign+ in the quarter versus zero in the same period a year earlier; eight Citation Latitudes, compared to 13; and five Citation Longitudes, down from six.

“The demand and order activity across every model has been good. We saw some very strong demand, particularly in the light jet category with the Gen3 announcements, which were very well received by customers,” Donnelly said. “As the factories recover and production ramps up, we expect to meet this sustained demand.”

2024 in Review

For the full year, Textron Aviation generated revenues of approximately $5.5 billion, down from $5.37 billion in 2023. Full-year segment profit totaled $556 million, compared to $649 million the previous year. The division ended the year with a backlog of $7.8 billion, up $676 million from year-end 2023.

In 2024, the company delivered 151 jets, 70 Caravans, 13 SkyCouriers, 44 King Airs, 10 T-6 trainers, and 281 piston-engine aircraft. These figures reflected a decline from the 168 jets, 79 Caravans, 18 SkyCouriers, 56 King Airs, 13 T-6 trainers, and 297 piston-engine aircraft delivered in 2023.

Despite the drop in deliveries, Textron Aviation secured significant orders, including a December contract with the Naval Air Systems Command for 26 Beechcraft King Air 260s. Additionally, the Cessna SkyCourier received type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation.

Textron Aviation continued to advance its product offerings in 2024, highlighted by the launch of the Gen3 platform upgrades for the M2, CJ3, and CJ4 aircraft, which include Garmin Autoland and other enhancements. The Citation Ascend and Beechcraft Denali development programs also made significant progress, with the Ascend logging more than 700 hours of flight testing and the Denali exceeding 2,500 hours.

Focusing on sustainable aviation solutions, the company’s eAviation segment reported revenues of $11 million for the fourth quarter, with a segment loss of $22 million due to ongoing research and development investments. Pipistrel delivered 42 aircraft in the fourth quarter and 120 for the full year. The Velis Electro trainer received an FAA airworthiness exemption, enabling its use in U.S. flight schools, and eAviation acquired Amazilia Aerospace to enhance its digital flight control capabilities.

“At eAviation, we plan to continue our investment in the development of new hybrid and electric technologies for manned and unmanned aviation platforms,” Donnelly stated. “Given the progress we’ve made in 2024, we are optimistic about the opportunities ahead in sustainable aviation solutions.”

Aftermarket Growth and 2025 Outlook

Steady aircraft utilization across Textron Aviation’s portfolio contributed to a 6.3% increase in aftermarket revenues in 2024. Donnelly highlighted the company’s improved parts flow and workforce stability as key factors supporting higher productivity and efficiency in 2025.

“Since the contract has been signed, we were very happy with the number of people that came back,” he noted. “The attrition numbers we’re seeing are certainly improved from where they had been through the course of the rest of 2024. The momentum is in the right direction.”

Looking ahead, Textron projects revenues of $14.7 billion for 2025, up 7% from 2024, with Textron Aviation’s revenues expected to reach $6.1 billion. The division’s segment margin is forecasted to improve to 12 to 13%, supported by increased deliveries and manufacturing efficiency. “We’re projecting growth driven by increased deliveries across all product lines and higher aftermarket volume with improved productivity and manufacturing efficiency,” Donnelly said.

Despite the hurdles faced in 2024, Textron Aviation said it is entering 2025 with a strong order book. With a focus on growth and efficiency, the company believes it is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the aerospace and defense markets.