Daher Delivers 1,300th TBM, Marking New Milestone for High-Performance Turboprop Family

Daher has announced the delivery of the 1,300th aircraft in its TBM family, reaching another major production milestone for one of general aviation’s most successful high-performance single-engine turboprop manufacturers. The announcement was made on April 22 during AERO Friedrichshafen, where the company is showcasing its latest TBM models.

Since entering service in 1990, the TBM series has built a strong reputation for combining speed, efficiency and versatility. Designed to bridge the gap between piston aircraft and light jets, the TBM offers operators fast cruise speeds, relatively low operating costs and the ability to use shorter runways than many business jets. These characteristics have made the aircraft popular with private owners, corporate operators and utility users across a wide range of missions.

The original TBM 700 launched the family more than three decades ago, introducing a new level of performance in the single-engine turboprop segment. Over time, the aircraft was steadily refined, leading to upgraded versions that improved speed, range, avionics and cabin comfort. The next major development came with the TBM 850, which entered the market in the mid-2000s with enhanced performance.

A significant chapter in the programme began in 2014 when Daher assumed ownership of the TBM line. Since then, the company has continued to invest in the aircraft’s development, introducing six successive models within the TBM 900-series. These upgrades have focused on aerodynamic refinements, modern cockpit technology, passenger comfort and improved engine management systems.

Today, the company’s current production lineup includes the TBM 960 and the flagship TBM 980. Both aircraft are powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT turboprop engine and use a five-blade composite propeller supplied by Hartzell Propeller. They also feature a dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System, paired with an electronic throttle designed to simplify power management and reduce pilot workload.

The 1,300th aircraft delivered is a TBM 980, which has gone to a customer in the United States. The model represents the most advanced evolution of the TBM family to date and offers high cruise performance, a modern avionics suite and a range of comfort enhancements intended to appeal to owner-pilots and business travellers alike.

Daher noted that nearly half of all TBMs produced belong to the TBM 900-series, highlighting the popularity of the latest generation. This strong demand reflects the continuing appeal of turboprop aircraft that can provide jet-like travel times on many routes while retaining lower fuel burn and access to smaller airports.

At this year’s AERO Friedrichshafen exhibition, Daher is displaying a TBM 980 fitted with Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, the newest version of Garmin’s integrated cockpit system. The aircraft on display also includes further cabin comfort enhancements, showing the company’s continued focus on refinement rather than radical redesign.

Beyond production numbers, the TBM fleet has also accumulated a significant operational record. According to Daher, aircraft across the family have now logged more than 2.78 million flight hours worldwide. That figure reflects extensive use in private transport, business flying, air ambulance roles and special mission operations.

Reaching the 1,300-delivery mark reinforces the TBM’s position as a long-running success story in the business and personal aviation market. In a sector where aircraft programmes often face shifting demand and intense competition, the TBM family has remained relevant through continual upgrades and a clear focus on performance, efficiency and practicality.