Daher delivers first TBM 980 in Brazil

First Daher TBM 980 delivered in Brazil

French manufacturer Daher Aircraft has handed over the first TBM 980 turboprop to a Brazilian customer, introducing the newest member of the TBM family to the country. Registered PS-DVA, the aircraft was bought by an agricultural entrepreneur, who replaced a TBM 900 with the new model to gain updated technology, improved operating efficiency and the ability to use a wider range of runway surfaces.

According to the manufacturer, the owner has several cattle farms and rural properties across Brazil. The TBM 980 will be used to travel between these sites, including flights to semi-prepared airstrips.

The decision to acquire the aircraft was chiefly driven by its third-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, alongside the model’s blend of speed, efficiency and operational versatility.

TBM 980 pricing and Brazilian market

When the aircraft was launched at the beginning of the year, Daher stated that its base price would be US$ 5.82 million, equivalent at current exchange rates to approximately R$ 30 million.

Daher considers Brazil one of the most significant markets for its aircraft range. This includes the pressurised executive TBM 980 and TBM 960 models, which accommodate six occupants, as well as the utility-focused Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900, capable of carrying up to ten people.

The company says the country’s continental scale, together with the strong presence of sectors such as agriculture, construction and mining, is generating growing demand for efficient regional transport solutions-a segment suited to its aircraft.

To reinforce its presence in the Brazilian market, Daher opened Daher Aircraft Brasil in São Paulo in October last year. The operation was established to strengthen customer relationships and provide local technical support.

Since launching its Brazilian operation, the company says it has sold five TBM 980 aircraft and one TBM 960. About 60 TBM family aircraft, spanning different variants, are currently operating in Brazil, in addition to seven Kodiak 100 examples.

Garmin G3000 PRIME and e-copilot technology

Introduced in January this year, the TBM 980 has already recorded more than 30 deliveries worldwide. Among its principal features is a cockpit fitted with the Garmin G3000 PRIME system, which includes three 14-inch touchscreens. These provide a more intuitive interface, improved ergonomics and reduced pilot workload through configurable settings.

Daher also highlights the technologies integrated into its e-copilot system. They include functions intended to enhance operational safety, such as advanced weather-condition detection, ice-protection capability, flight-envelope monitoring, an automatic emergency descent mode and the HomeSafe feature, which can automatically land the aircraft in an emergency.

TBM 980 propulsion system

For propulsion, the TBM 980 is fitted with the intelligent Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT turboprop engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. Both are controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) electronic system, designed to optimise aircraft performance, efficiency and operation.