Daher Unveils the All-New TBM 980

Daher has unveiled the latest evolution of its high-performance single-engine turboprop family, the TBM 980, marking a significant step forward in cockpit technology and passenger comfort. The new model integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics suite while building on the proven performance and efficiency of the TBM 900-series.

The TBM 980 was officially revealed at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes during an evening event attended by customers, partners, company employees and aviation officials. The launch was simultaneously broadcast to a global audience via a live-streamed presentation, reflecting the worldwide reach of the TBM programme.

At the core of the TBM 980 is the introduction of Garmin’s G3000 PRIME flight deck, which brings a refined, touchscreen-based interface aimed at simplifying pilot interaction and reducing workload. The cockpit features three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays offering enhanced image quality, clarity and responsiveness.

According to Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft, the TBM 980 represents a fundamental shift in how pilots interact with avionics. “Our TBM 980 motto, ‘Fly Differently,’ reflects a genuine transformation in the piloting experience,” he said. “The touchscreen-controlled flight deck revolutionises the interface between the pilot and the aircraft, while passenger comfort is elevated through enhanced connectivity and cabin features.”

The G3000 PRIME system introduces an app-based interface that uses shortcuts to access essential functions such as radios, transponders, flight planning and procedures without navigating through multiple menu layers. Customisable presets further streamline cockpit operations. A redesigned four-position joystick replaces the traditional checklist button, allowing faster scrolling, selection and quick access to functions, improving ergonomics during all phases of flight.

Safety remains a central pillar of the TBM 980 design. The aircraft incorporates Daher Aircraft’s e-copilot® suite of automated systems, already proven across the TBM 900-series. These include advanced weather awareness, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring and an emergency descent mode. The aircraft is also equipped with Garmin’s HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system, enabling the TBM 980 to land automatically should the pilot become incapacitated.

Weather detection capabilities are further enhanced by Garmin’s GWX™ 8000 all-digital weather radar. Featuring StormOptix technology, the system automatically optimises radar settings to deliver precise three-dimensional storm cell imaging, improving situational awareness in adverse conditions.

From a performance perspective, the TBM 980 draws on the operational strengths of the TBM 960, Daher’s most successful variant to date. Power is provided by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine, coupled with a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. Both are managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, ensuring precise engine management, improved efficiency and reduced pilot workload.

Passenger comfort and connectivity have received notable attention. The six-seat pressurised cabin can be equipped with a Starlink Mini satellite internet terminal, supported by a factory-installed mounting point in the cockpit and a dedicated 100-watt USB-C power port. Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger displays providing en-route flight information and high-power USB-C charging ports for personal electronic devices.

Connectivity is complemented by a comprehensive suite of subscription-based digital services. These include Garmin PlaneSync™, which enables remote aircraft activation, status monitoring and automated database updates via the Me & My TBM application. The aircraft also supports Garmin Pilot™ and ForeFlight electronic flight bag applications, Jeppesen navigation databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio services.

Chabbert confirmed that the TBM 980 has received airworthiness certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with validation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This clears the way for customer deliveries to begin this month.

Daher Chairman and CEO Didier Kayat noted that the TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft introduced in the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the programme in 2014, underlining the company’s sustained investment in the aircraft family’s evolution through continuous innovation and close collaboration with key suppliers. Notably, the TBM 980 is the first aircraft to be certified under the Daher Aircraft identity, following the company’s organisational restructuring under its “Takeoff 2027” strategic plan, which consolidates all aircraft-related activities under a single legal entity.

As of 31 December 2025, a total of 1,294 TBM aircraft have been delivered worldwide, reinforcing the TBM family’s standing as one of the most successful and technologically advanced turboprops in the global general aviation market.