Brazil Certifies Daher TBM 980 - “Fly Differently”

Brazil’s aviation authority has cleared the way for Daher Aircraft’s newest turboprop to enter one of South America’s most important private aviation markets. The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil has officially certified the TBM 980, allowing deliveries to begin in Brazil and nearby countries. The approval marks another step in the aircraft’s global rollout, following earlier certifications in Europe and the United States.

Daher introduced the TBM 980 in January at its facility in Tarbes, France. Since then, the company has already delivered several aircraft to customers in the United States, along with a demonstrator unit now based in Florida. The first Brazilian delivery is expected in July.

The TBM 980 represents the latest evolution of Daher’s long-running TBM 900 series. It is the sixth version developed since the company took over the program in 2014. With the tagline “Fly Differently,” Daher positions the aircraft as a blend of performance, comfort and advanced technology aimed at both business and private operators.

A major highlight of the TBM 980 is its upgraded cockpit. The aircraft features Garmin’s G3000 PRIME avionics suite, which introduces a more modern and intuitive interface for pilots. The system uses three large 14-inch touchscreen displays, designed to improve visibility and simplify access to key flight information. This setup is not just about aesthetics. The updated interface reduces pilot workload by allowing customizable settings and quicker access to controls. In practical terms, that means less time managing systems and more focus on flying.

Inside the cabin, Daher has also made noticeable improvements. The TBM 980 includes a digitally controlled environment with an upgraded passenger display that provides real-time flight data. Connectivity has also been addressed, with a built-in interface that supports satellite internet through the Starlink Mini terminal. This allows passengers to stay connected even during long regional flights. These features are particularly relevant in a country like Brazil, where distances between major cities can be significant and infrastructure varies widely. The TBM 980’s ability to operate from shorter or less-equipped airfields gives it an advantage over many jet aircraft.

Performance remains a key selling point. The aircraft can cruise at speeds of up to 610 kilometres per hour and has a range of more than 3,200 kilometres. This makes it suitable for non-stop flights across much of Brazil and into neighbouring countries.

Power comes from the Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT engine, paired with a five-blade composite propeller. The system is managed by a dual-channel digital engine and propeller control system, which helps optimise performance and efficiency while simplifying engine handling for pilots.

Safety is another area where Daher continues to invest. The TBM 980 includes a suite of automated systems grouped under what the company calls its e-copilot technology. These features cover areas such as weather detection, icing protection and flight envelope monitoring.

One of the standout additions is the HomeSafe emergency autoland function. In the event of pilot incapacitation, the system can take control of the aircraft and land it safely without human input. This capability is becoming an increasingly important feature in modern general aviation.

Brazil already has an established base of TBM operators, with around 60 aircraft in service across the country and region. Daher sees strong potential for growth, driven by demand for efficient, high-performance aircraft that can handle a wide range of operating conditions. To support this expansion, the company established a permanent presence in São Paulo in 2025. The facility is intended to provide closer support to customers and strengthen Daher’s position in the regional market, not only for the TBM series but also for its Kodiak utility aircraft.

With certification now secured, the TBM 980 is set to play a larger role in Brazil’s aviation landscape, offering a mix of speed, flexibility, and technology that fits the country’s unique travel needs.