Daher TBM 980 Receives Brazil ANAC Certification for 2026 Delivery

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.

Technological Advancements in the TBM 980

Garmin G3000® PRIME Integration

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.

Enhanced Safety with e-copilot® and HomeSafe™

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).

Performance and Passenger Experience

Powertrain and Range Capabilities

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.

The Upgraded Cabin Experience

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.

Strategic Expansion in South America

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

AirPro News analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When will the first TBM 980 be delivered in Brazil?
  According to Daher, the initial TBM 980 for a Brazilian customer is scheduled for delivery in July 2026.
• What is the maximum speed and range of the TBM 980?
  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).
• What avionics system does the TBM 980 use?
  It is equipped with Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME integrated avionics suite, featuring three 14-inch touchscreen displays.
• Does the TBM 980 have an autoland feature?
  Yes, it features Daher’s HomeSafe™ emergency autoland functionality, which can autonomously land the plane if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

Sources: Daher Aircraft Press Release