Daher unveils the TBM 980 with a revolutionized avionics interface for pilots and enhanced comfort for passengers

The TBM 980 was introduced this afternoon at the Daher Aircraft Division’s headquarters and TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by customers, partners, officials, and company employees. The unveiling also was viewed by a worldwide audience via a live-streamed presentation.  

“Our TBM 980’s motto, ‘Fly Differently,’ is more than just a slogan, because this aircraft redefines the way that pilots – and their passengers – want to fly,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft Division. “It’s touchscreen-controlled flight deck truly revolutionizes the interface between pilots and the avionics, while the passenger experience is further elevated with cabin features that include the capability to install a Starlink Mini terminal for satellite-based internet connectivity, along with 100-watt USB-C ports for the charging of mobile devices and an upgraded Passenger Comfort Display with enroute data.” 

Airworthiness certification has been issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling Daher to begin for the TBM 980 deliveries this month. 

“The TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft launched by Daher in the TBM 900-series since we acquired the TBM product line in 2014,” stated Didier Kayat, the Daher Chairman and CEO. “This underscores our firm commitment to the airplane family’s evolution through the continual application of innovation, and our close working relationship with key suppliers.”  

The Garmin 3000® PRIME avionics’ highly intuitive and refined interface that significantly improves cockpit ergonomics. Three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays ensure seamless control of flight functions, while workload is reduced through customizable presets and a streamlined user interface.  

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

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

Connectivity on the TBM 980 is provided with a comprehensive suite of subscription-based digital services, including Garmin PlaneSync™ (for remote aircraft activation, status monitoring and automated database updates using the Me & My  TBM application), the Garmin Pilot™ and ForeFlight apps, Jeppesen aviation databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio services.  

As of December 31, 2025, a total of 1,294 TBMs had been delivered worldwide.

 

About Daher (www.daher.com) 

Daher is an aircraft manufacturer, industrialist, industrial services provider, and logistics specialist, employing more than 14,000 people with revenues of €1.8 billion in 2024. With a family shareholding structure, Daher has been innovation-driven since its founding in 1863. With operations in about 15 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, Daher designs and develops value-added solutions for its aerospace and industrial clients and partners.  

About the Daher Aircraft Division (www.tbm.aero / www.kodiak.aero) 

The Daher Aircraft Division manufactures two families of single-engine turboprop airplanes: the fast, very efficient pressurized TBM in Tarbes, France; and the Kodiak utility aircraft in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA. 

Daher is on the following social networks: 

• @DAHER_official 

• Daher 

• Daher_Official / DaherTBM / DaherKodiak 

• @Daherofficial / @DaherTBM / @DaherKodiak 

 

Media contact: 

Jeffrey Lenorovitz  

Daher Vice President – Communications  

Int’l mobile: +33 (0)6 80 85 86 25 

U.S. mobile: +1 703 615-3646 

email: j.lenorovitz@daher.com