Daher has introduced the latest evolution of its TBM aircraft family, the TBM 980, featuring a revolutionized avionics interface and enhanced passenger comfort. The aircraft was unveiled at Daher’s Aircraft Division headquarters and production facility in Tarbes, France, with a global audience joining via live stream.
At the core of the TBM 980 is the integration of Garmin G3000 PRIME, Garmin’s third-generation flight deck, delivering a highly intuitive and touchscreen-driven cockpit experience. The system includes three large 14-inch edge-to-edge displays, enabling seamless control of flight operations while significantly reducing pilot workload through customizable presets and an optimized user interface.
Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft Division, emphasized that the TBM 980 embodies the philosophy of “Fly Differently,” redefining both pilot interaction with avionics and the overall passenger experience. The advanced touchscreen interface marks a major step forward in cockpit ergonomics and operational efficiency.
On the passenger side, Daher has introduced several upgrades aimed at improving in-flight comfort and connectivity. The cabin now supports installation of a Starlink Mini terminal for high-speed satellite internet, along with 100-watt USB-C charging ports and an enhanced Passenger Comfort Display providing real-time enroute information. These features ensure a more connected and comfortable journey for passengers.
The TBM 980 has received airworthiness certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing deliveries to begin immediately. This milestone highlights Daher’s continued commitment to innovation and rapid deployment of advanced aircraft solutions.
Performance and efficiency are maintained through proven systems carried over from the TBM 960, including the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller, both integrated with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. These technologies ensure optimized performance, fuel efficiency, and simplified engine management.
Safety remains a central focus, with Daher’s e-copilot® suite incorporating advanced automation and monitoring systems such as weather detection, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring, and emergency descent mode. The inclusion of HomeSafe™ emergency autoland further enhances safety by enabling automated landing in critical situations.
The aircraft also offers a comprehensive digital ecosystem, including Garmin PlaneSync™, Garmin Pilot™, ForeFlight, Jeppesen databases, and SiriusXM weather services, ensuring seamless connectivity and operational support.
Since Daher acquired the TBM program in 2014, the company has continued to evolve the platform, with the TBM 980 representing the sixth model in the TBM 900 series. As of the end of 2025, a total of 1,294 TBM aircraft have been delivered worldwide, underscoring the platform’s strong market acceptance.
The TBM 980 sets a new benchmark in the high-performance turboprop segment, combining cutting-edge avionics, enhanced passenger comfort, and proven performance to meet the evolving demands of modern aviation.
