Worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales climbed to $652.1 million in the second quarter, up 2.7 percent from $635 million in the same period a year ago, according to the latest data from the Aircraft Electronics Association. Combined with first-quarter sales of $651.7 million, total worldwide sales of avionics exceeded $1.3 billion in the first half, a gain of 6.8 percent year-over-year.

Of the second-quarter sales, some $333.7 million, or 51.7 percent, was for forward-fit avionics installed during aircraft production, while 48.8 percent ($318.5 million) was for retrofit avionics. According to data from avionics makers that broke down figures by world region, 62.7 percent of the sales volume originated in North America, while the remainder was from the rest of the world.

The amounts are based on net sales, not manufacturer’s suggested retail price, and include business and general aviation aircraft electronic sales (components and accessories in cockpit, cabin, software upgrades, portables and noncertified aircraft electronics); hardware, from tip to tail; batteries; and chargeable product upgrades from the participating manufacturers, the AEA said. The amount does not include repairs and overhauls, extended warranty or subscription services, it added.