Daher unveils TBM 980 turboprop aircraft

On Thursday, Daher Aircraft Division showcased its latest advancement in general aviation with the introduction of the TBM 980 at its headquarters and production facility in Tarbes, France. The event, attended by customers, partners, officials, and employees, was also broadcast globally via a live-streamed presentation, underscoring the international significance of the aircraft’s launch.

This milestone marks the sixth aircraft in Daher’s TBM 900-series since the company acquired the product line in 2014, a testament to its commitment to continuous innovation, as highlighted by Didier Kayat, Daher Chairman and CEO.

Positioned as a transformative offering, the TBM 980 embodies Daher’s “Fly Differently” ethos.

Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft Division, emphasized that the aircraft reimagines both pilot and passenger experiences. Central to this is its modernized flight deck, featuring Garmin’s 3000 PRIME avionics system. This setup includes three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays, streamlining cockpit operations with customizable presets and an intuitive interface to reduce pilot workload.

Passenger amenities have also been elevated, with options for satellite-based internet via a Starlink Mini terminal, 100-watt USB-C ports for device charging, and an enhanced Passenger Comfort Display offering real-time flight data.

Safety remains a priority through Daher’s e-copilot suite, which integrates advanced automation such as emergency autoland (HomeSafe), weather detection, icing protection, and flight envelope monitoring.

The TBM 980 builds on the success of its predecessors, incorporating proven technologies like the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. These components, managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control system, ensure precision and operational efficiency inherited from the best-selling TBM 960 model.

Certifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration have paved the way for deliveries to commence this month.

Connectivity is further enhanced through subscription-based services such as Garmin PlaneSync, Jeppesen databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio, while the Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight apps provide seamless digital integration.

As of Dec. 31, Daher had delivered 1,294 TBMs worldwide, reflecting the series’ enduring appeal.