Raytheon Aircraft estimates it will deliver 181 turbine business airplanes this year–24 more than last year–despite a significant decrease in deliveries and sales in the first quarter this year compared to the same period a year ago. The company reported that it delivered only 17 commercial turbine airplanes in the first quarter versus 29 during the same time frame last year. Net sales were down 7 percent, but the airframer reduced its operating loss in the first quarter to $38 million from $53 million in the comparable period last year. The company expects to reduce the loss to $20 million this year.