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 It has been replaced by a four-position joystick located on the yoke.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
Business Aviation
Daher TBM 980 Receives Brazil ANAC Certification for 2026 Delivery
Daher Aircraft’s TBM 980 turboprop secures Brazil ANAC certification, enabling deliveries in South America with advanced avionics and safety features.
On March 9, 2026, Daher Aircraft announced that its latest turboprop model, the TBM 980, has officially received airworthiness certification from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil). According to the company’s press release, this regulatory milestone clears the path for deliveries to owners and operators across Brazil and the broader South American region.
The TBM 980, which was formally unveiled in Tarbes, France, on January 15 following certifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), represents the sixth variant in the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the program in 2014. Daher confirmed that five units have already been delivered to customers in the United States, with a demonstrator aircraft currently based at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Pompano Beach, Florida.
With the ANAC certification now secured, Daher stated that the first scheduled delivery of a TBM 980 to a Brazilian customer is slated for July 2026. The aircraft is being marketed under the tagline “Fly Differently,” emphasizing significant upgrades in avionics, passenger comfort, and automated safety systems.
A central feature of the TBM 980 is its flight deck, which Daher notes is equipped with Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME integrated avionics suite. Background research provided by industry reports indicates that this next-generation system offers a massive leap in processing capabilities, featuring twice the CPU power, four times the memory, and gigabit connectivity, making it up to 100 times faster than previous iterations.
The press release highlights that the cockpit features three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays. These fingerprint-resistant screens are designed to ensure seamless control of flight functions while significantly improving cockpit ergonomics and reducing pilot workload through customizable presets.
Safety remains a focal point for the TBM 980. Daher’s official statements detail the inclusion of the e-copilot® system, which integrates advanced weather detection, icing protection, and flight envelope monitoring. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with Garmin’s Collier Trophy-winning Autoland technology, branded by Daher as HomeSafe™.
In the event of pilot incapacitation, the HomeSafe™ system can autonomously take control of the aircraft, navigate to the nearest suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control, and execute a safe landing. Additional safety tools integrated into the avionics suite include Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) for rapid depressurization events, Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), and a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). According to Daher’s specifications, the TBM 980 delivers near jet-like performance, boasting a maximum cruise speed of 610 km/h (330 knots) and a maximum range of 3,204 kilometers (1,730 nautical miles). The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine, which is paired with a five-blade Hartzell Raptor™ composite propeller.
The propulsion system is managed by a dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS). This digital e-throttle simplifies engine management, allowing for single-lever operation and optimizing performance across various flight phases.
Daher has also focused on elevating the passenger experience in the TBM 980’s digitally controlled cabin. The press release outlines new features, including an upgraded Passenger Comfort Display (PCD) that provides enroute flight data. Additionally, the aircraft offers a factory-installed interface on the right-side cockpit visor area designed to support satellite-based internet connectivity via the Starlink Mini terminal.
Supplementary industry data notes that the cabin also includes customizable ambient lighting, electrically-dimmable windows, and 100-watt USB-C charging ports to accommodate modern business and personal travel needs.
The certification of the TBM 980 in Brazil aligns with Daher Aircraft’s broader strategic expansion into Latin America. The company reports that approximately 60 TBM aircraft across various versions are currently utilized by owners and operators in Brazil and the surrounding region. To support this growing fleet, Daher established a permanent operational base in São Paulo in late 2025.
This local presence is designed to support both the TBM family and the company’s utility-category Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 product lines. In official company statements regarding the expansion, Daher executives emphasized their commitment to the region.
“The TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft launched by Daher in the TBM 900 series since we acquired the product line in 2014. This reinforces our firm commitment to the evolution of the aircraft family through the continuous application of innovation.”, Didier Kayat, President and CEO of Daher
“With a thriving general aviation community and an increasing demand for both high-performance and utility aircraft, our TBM and Kodiak are perfectly aligned with the operational needs across Brazil.”, Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher’s Aircraft Division
We observe that Daher’s aggressive push into the Brazilian market is highly strategic. Brazil represents one of the most dynamic markets for general aviation globally, driven largely by its vast geography and a booming agribusiness sector. Turboprops like the TBM 980 are particularly favored in this environment because they offer the high-altitude, high-speed cruise performance of light jets, while retaining the rugged capability to operate on the short, unpaved, or rough runways frequently found in Brazil’s remote agricultural regions.
By establishing a permanent headquarters near São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport in 2025 and securing ANAC certification early in 2026, Daher is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the Latin American market. The integration of the Starlink Mini terminal is also a highly relevant feature for this demographic, as reliable internet connectivity has historically been a challenge for operators flying over the Amazon basin or deep into the Brazilian interior. Sources: Daher Aircraft Press Release
Technological Advancements in the TBM 980
Garmin G3000® PRIME Integration
Enhanced Safety with e-copilot® and HomeSafe™
Performance and Passenger Experience
Powertrain and Range Capabilities
The Upgraded Cabin Experience
Strategic Expansion in South America
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
According to Daher, the initial TBM 980 for a Brazilian customer is scheduled for delivery in July 2026.
The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 610 km/h (330 knots) and a maximum range of 3,204 kilometers (1,730 nautical miles).
It is equipped with Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME integrated avionics suite, featuring three 14-inch touchscreen displays.
Yes, it features Daher’s HomeSafe™ emergency autoland functionality, which can autonomously land the plane if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
Photo Credit: Daher
Business Aviation
George J. Priester Aviation Adds Maxair and Elite Jets to Fleet
George J. Priester Aviation expands with Maxair and Elite Jets, adding 17 aircraft and strengthening regional charter services in the US.
This article is based on an official press release from George J. Priester Aviation.
George J. Priester Aviation has announced the addition of two regional charter operators, Maxair and Elite Jets, to its growing family of private aviation companies. The strategic move, facilitated in partnership with Invision Capital, further consolidates the private jets market under one of the industry’s largest family-led networks.
According to the official press release, Maxair and Elite Jets will operate alongside existing legacy brands Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation, and Omni Private Aviation. The integration aims to combine the specialized owned-aircraft charter expertise of the new additions with the broader aircraft management and ad-hoc charter capabilities of the George J. Priester Aviation group.
The collaboration builds on the collective group’s 80-year history of aviation services, aiming to provide enhanced charter opportunities and expanded access to experienced flight crews in markets across the United States.
The inclusion of Maxair, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Elite Jets, located in Naples, Florida, strategically enhances the network’s geographic footprint. These additions complement the group’s established bases across the Midwest, Rocky Mountain West, Southeast, and South Central regions of the United States.
Despite the change in corporate structure, both Maxair and Elite Jets will maintain their regional focus. The company stated that both operators will continue operating under their historic brand names, preserving the local relationships and trust they have cultivated over the years.
The press release notes that the two companies will contribute 17 aircraft to the broader fleet, with nearly all of them available for charter services. The newly integrated fleet features a variety of premium business jets, including Embraer Phenom 300s, a Legacy 500, Gulfstream G200s, and a Gulfstream GV.
Company leadership emphasized the shared values and operational synergies driving the expansion. By sharing operational expertise and regional relationships, the group intends to strengthen service capabilities for both aircraft owners and charter customers. “This partnership brings together organizations that share a passion in delivering high-touch ownerships and charter experience built on safety, service and long-term relationships,” said Chairman Andy Priester in the company’s press release.
“We’re honored to bring all of these incredible people and rich histories together. The strengths of the six companies make us all better, while retaining the unique qualities and connections that have served our regions so well,” Priester added.
The acquisition of Maxair and Elite Jets by George J. Priester Aviation highlights a continuing trend of consolidation within the private aviation sector. By partnering with private equity firm Invision Capital to facilitate these agreements, George J. Priester Aviation is positioning itself to scale operations rapidly while mitigating the risks associated with losing regional brand loyalty. Maintaining the legacy names of acquired operators allows the parent company to absorb valuable assets, such as the 17 newly added aircraft, and experienced flight crews without disrupting the established client base in key markets like Wisconsin and Florida.
Maxair (based in Appleton, Wisconsin) and Elite Jets (based in Naples, Florida) are the latest operators to join the network.
No. According to the company’s announcement, both operators will retain their historic brand names and continue their regional focus.
The two companies bring a combined total of 17 aircraft to the broader fleet, including Embraer Phenom 300s, a Legacy 500, Gulfstream G200s, and a Gulfstream GV.
Maxair and Elite Jets Join George J. Priester Aviation
Expanding the Fleet and Regional Reach
Strategic Geographic Additions
Aircraft and Operational Synergies
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What companies are joining George J. Priester Aviation?
Will Maxair and Elite Jets change their names?
How many aircraft are being added to the fleet?
Sources
Photo Credit: George J. Priester Aviation
Business Aviation
Business Jet Expands Hangar Space at Dallas Love Field Airport
Business Jet completes 70,000 sq ft hangar expansion at Dallas Love Field, fully leased and designed for large ultra-long-range jets.
This article is based on an official press release from Business Jet.
Dallas-based private jets provider Business Jet has officially opened a new hangar complex at Dallas Love Field (KDAL), adding significant capacity to its existing footprint at the constrained airport. The company announced on March 4, 2026, that it has completed construction on two side-by-side hangars totaling 70,000 square feet, a project first unveiled in August 2025.
The expansion brings the family-owned company’s total presence at Love Field to more than 475,000 square feet of hangar and office space. The new facilities are located on the northeast corner of the airport and are already fully leased, underscoring the persistent demand for private aviation infrastructure in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The newly completed complex consists of two distinct structures designed to accommodate the largest purpose-built business jets currently entering the market. According to the company, the hangars feature 28-foot doors specifically sized for ultra-long-range aircraft such as the Gulfstream G700 and G800, as well as the Bombardier Global 8000.
Business Jet outfitted the facilities with modern utility infrastructure, including integrated pedestals providing compressed air, water, and multiple power configurations (208/480/115-amp). Additional features include epoxy-coated floors, LED lighting, radiant tube heating, and large-format fans for climate management. In a move toward modernizing ground support, the complex also includes electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
The two hangars serve different operational roles. The west hangar was developed for a single tenant and includes a custom floor plan with a conditioned hangar bay and high-end interior finishes. It also features a tip-up canopy-style door, which the company notes is a first for its campus.
In contrast, the east hangar is designed for multi-tenant use, incorporating seven individual office and shop spaces to support various flight departments. This mixed-use approach allows the provider to service both exclusive private operations and broader fleet needs within the same expansion phase.
This project represents the latest phase in Business Jet’s long-term development strategy at Love Field, where it now operates 19 hangars and two executive terminals across a 53-acre campus. The company stated that the expansion was driven by the need to better serve existing and prospective clients as regional traffic grows. Chris Wright, Partner and CEO of Business Jet, emphasized the immediate absorption of the new capacity:
“We’re proud of the way this development seamlessly blends with our existing hangars, rounding out the northeast corner of the airport. We’re also excited to say the new space is 100% leased, reaffirming strong demand for hangar space at Dallas Love Field, specifically at Business Jet.”
The fact that Business Jet’s 70,000-square-foot addition was 100% leased prior to or immediately upon opening highlights a critical trend in the Dallas aviation market analysis. Dallas Love Field is a geographically constrained airport surrounded by dense urban development, making available land for general aviation expansion extremely scarce. As ultra-long-range jets like the Global 8000 begin deliveries, the requirement for larger door heights and deeper bays is rendering older hangar stock obsolete. Operators who can deliver modern, large-cabin infrastructure in these high-barrier markets are likely to see continued rapid absorption rates.
Business Jet Completes Major Hangar Expansion at Dallas Love Field
Facility Specifications and Capabilities
West and East Hangar Configurations
Strategic Growth and Market Demand
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Business Jet
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