Business Aviation
Daher Launches TBM 980 with Garmin G3000 PRIME Avionics
Daher introduces the TBM 980 turboprop featuring Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, Starlink connectivity, and advanced safety systems, with deliveries in 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher and verified industry data.
Daher has officially launched the TBM 980, the newest flagship in its high-performance single-engine turboprop family. Unveiled today at the company’s production facility in Tarbes, France, the aircraft introduces significant technological upgrades, most notably the integration of Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics suite. According to the manufacturers, deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following EASA certification and FAA validation.
The launch event, attended by customers and streamed globally, highlighted the aircraft’s new motto, “Fly Differently.” Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft, emphasized that the updates focus on intuitive operation and enhanced connectivity for both pilots and passengers. The TBM 980 replaces the TBM 960 as the top-tier offering in the lineup, with a reported price point of approximately $5.82 million.
The defining feature of the TBM 980 is its flight deck. It is one of the first aircraft to feature the Garmin G3000® PRIME, a system designed to reduce pilot workload through improved ergonomics and processing power. The system utilizes three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays that offer higher resolution and faster response times than previous generations.
According to Daher, the user interface has been overhauled to resemble modern mobile applications. Pilots can now access essential functions, such as radios, flight plans, and transponder settings, via “slide-out” menus and shortcuts, eliminating the need to navigate through deep sub-menus.
A significant physical change in the cockpit is the removal of the traditional checklist button. It has been replaced by a four-position joystick located on the yoke. This allows pilots to scroll through checklists and mark items as complete without removing their hands from the controls, a feature aimed at maintaining situational awareness during critical phases of flight.
“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.”
, Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft
Beyond the cockpit, the TBM 980 addresses the growing demand for in-flight connectivity. The cabin is factory-ready for the installation of a Starlink Mini terminal, enabling high-speed satellite internet access. This upgrade aligns with the aircraft’s target market of owner-pilots and corporate operators who require consistent connectivity. Additional cabin enhancements include:
While the avionics and cabin have seen major updates, the TBM 980 retains the propulsion and airframe characteristics of its predecessor, the TBM 960. It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine, paired with a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. Both are managed by a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.
The aircraft incorporates Daher’s “e-copilot®” safety suite. This includes the HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system, which can automatically guide the aircraft to a landing if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Other automated protections include:
Daher also noted that the TBM 980 is approved for “PRIST-free” operations, meaning it does not require anti-icing fuel additives, simplifying logistics for operators.
The introduction of the TBM 980 signals a shift in the single-engine turboprop market where raw performance gains (speed and range) are plateauing due to aerodynamic and engine limitations. Instead, manufacturers like Daher are competing on “digital luxury” and ease of operation.
By being the launch platform for the Garmin G3000 PRIME, Daher reinforces its reputation for aggressive technological adoption. The shift to app-based interfaces and Starlink integration suggests that the next battleground for turboprops will be user experience (UX), making complex aircraft feel as intuitive as a high-end car or business jet. This strategy directly targets the owner-pilot demographic, who are often willing to pay a premium for reduced workload and cutting-edge interfaces.
The TBM 980 represents the sixth iteration of the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the product line in 2014. Didier Kayat, Daher Chairman and CEO, stated that the launch underscores the company’s commitment to “continual application of innovation.”
According to industry data, the TBM 980 enters the market with a price tag of roughly $5.82 million, while the TBM 960 remains available for order at approximately $5.62 million. With EASA certification already issued and FAA validation complete, Daher expects to begin deliveries in January 2026.
Daher Unveils TBM 980: The First Turboprop with Garmin G3000 PRIME
A New Era of Avionics: Garmin G3000 PRIME
Cabin Connectivity and Passenger Comfort
Performance and Safety Systems
Safety Automation
AirPro News Analysis
Market Context and Availability
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher