Daher has unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family, the TBM 980.
The aircraft has already been certified by EASA and the FAA, with deliveries expected to begin in January 2026.
The TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft launched by Daher in the TBM 900 series since the French company acquired the TBM line in 2014, according to Didier Kayat, Daher Chairman and CEO. The latest was the 960, which was introduced at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in 2022.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, 1,294 TBMs have been delivered worldwide.
“Our TBM 980’s motto, Fly Differently, is more than just a slogan, because this aircraft redefines the way that pilots — and their passengers — want to fly. The aircraft is more intuitive and easier to operate,” said Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Its touchscreen-controlled flight deck truly revolutionizes the interface between pilots and the avionics, while the passenger experience is further elevated in the six-seat cabin with such features as the capability to install a Starlink Mini terminal for satellite-based internet connectivity, along with 100-watt USB-C ports for the charging of mobile devices, as well as an upgraded passenger display with en route flight data.”
The aircraft features Garmin’s 3000 PRIME avionics over three 14-inch touchscreen displays.
Its app-based interface uses shortcuts that enable pilots to access essential functions (radios, transponder, flight plan, procedures, etc.) without navigating through multiple menus, according to Daher officials. The checklist button is replaced with a four-position joystick for up/down scrolling, check and quick access.
The cockpit also includes advanced weather detection, including Garmin’s GWX 8000 all-digital radar, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring, and the emergency descent mode, along with the HomeSafe emergency autoland.
The aircraft features Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6E-66XT turboprop engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller, both controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
Connectivity on the TBM 980 is possible with a Starlink Mini satellite Internet terminal using the factory-installed mounting in the cockpit and a dedicated 100-watt USB-C power port, as well as a suite of subscription-based digital services — including Garmin PlaneSync (for remote aircraft activation, status monitoring and automated database updates using the Me & My TBM application), Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight apps, Jeppesen aviation databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio services.
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