Daher Aircraft delivers the first TBM 980 in Brazil, introducing this latest-generation TBM to a major business aviation market

This milestone aircraft was received by a Brazilian entrepreneur who upgraded from a TBM 900 version, selecting the TBM 980 for its third-generation Garmin G3000® PRIME avionics and the TBM’s combination of speed, efficiency and operational flexibility. The customer owns multiple cattle ranches and farms throughout Brazil and will use the aircraft to travel between these locations, including operations performed from semi-prepared runways. 

Brazil represents an important market opportunity for both airplane families in Daher Aircraft’s portfolio: the pressurized six-seat TBM 980 and TBM 960, as well as the utility-category 10-seat Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900. The country’s geographic size and strong industry sectors such as agribusiness, construction and mining create a demand for efficient regional transportation solutions for which the TBM and Kodiak are particularly well suited. 

Daher established its São Paulo-based Daher Aircraft Brasil entity last October to strengthen the local presence for customer relationships and technical support. The initiative has contributed to a new phase of growth for Daher Aircraft in Brazil, where five TBM 980s and one TBM 960 have been sold since October.  

Today, approximately 60 TBMs of various versions are operated in Brazil, along with seven Kodiak 100s. 

Daher Aircraft unveiled the TBM 980 in January and has delivered more than 30 aircraft to customers worldwide. The Garmin G3000® PRIME avionics introduces a highly intuitive interface with three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays, improving cockpit ergonomics and reducing pilot workload through customizable presets and a streamlined user interface. 

Operational safety remains paramount on the TBM 980 with Daher Aircraft’s e-copilot® concentration of technological innovation and automated systems, proven across the TBM 900-series aircraft. This includes advanced weather detection, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring and emergency descent mode, along with the game-changing HomeSafe™ emergency autoland functionality. 

Precision piloting and excellent operational efficiency are ensured with the TBM 980’s features adopted from Daher’s popular TBM 960 version, including Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and the five-blade Hartzell composite propeller – both of which are controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. 

Editors’ note: Daher Aircraft is to participate in the Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE), August 4-6, at São Paulo’s Campo de Marte Airport. The company will be exhibiting its TBM and Kodiak airplanes on exhibit stand #SD40.