Aviation News – Brazil’s airworthiness authority, ANAC, has officially certified the Daher TBM 980, allowing the latest version of the high-speed turboprop family to begin deliveries to owners and operators across South America. This regulatory milestone follows previous approvals from European and American agencies, marking a significant expansion for the French manufacturer’s flagship aircraft.
The TBM 980 was first unveiled on January 15 at Daher’s production facility in Tarbes, France. Its arrival in the Brazilian market comes on the heels of successful certifications by the European EASA and the U.S. FAA. The aircraft is the newest evolution of the TBM series, designed to offer a blend of jet-like speeds and the operational efficiency of a turboprop engine, specifically targeting the executive and owner-pilot segments.
Prior to the Brazilian approval, the program gained significant momentum in North America. Five TBM 980s have already been delivered to customers in the United States from the final assembly line in France. Additionally, a dedicated demonstrator aircraft is currently stationed at Daher’s U.S. headquarters in Pompano Beach, Florida, to support sales and pilot familiarization efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
Technically, the TBM 980 distinguishes itself through the integration of the Garmin G3000® PRIME avionics suite. This third-generation system streamlines cockpit operations with advanced touchscreen interfaces and enhanced situational awareness. Beyond the flight deck, the aircraft features cabin comfort enhancements designed to improve the passenger experience, making it a highly competitive option for regional travel in the demanding South American climate and geography.
