Daher Advances Single-Engine Turboprops with TBM 980 and Kodiak 900

This article is based on an official press release from Daher.

Daher, the world’s oldest airplane manufacturer in continuous operation, is aggressively modernizing its footprint in the single-engine turboprop market. Tracing its aviation roots back to the pioneering French company Morane-Saulnier in 1911, the €1.8 billion aerospace industrialist has successfully cultivated two distinct but complementary aircraft families: the high-speed TBM and the rugged Kodiak.

According to a recent company press release and market updates, Daher delivered 76 aircraft in 2025, stabilizing its market presence while preparing for a major product cycle update. The company’s dual-continent manufacturing strategy, producing the TBM in Tarbes, France, and the Kodiak in Sandpoint, Idaho, has allowed it to capture diverse market segments ranging from luxury private aviation to heavy-duty public service operations.

In January 2026, Daher officially unveiled its newest flagship, the TBM 980, signaling a strong push toward advanced automation and passenger connectivity. As the general aviation sector increasingly prioritizes fuel efficiency and operational economy, Daher’s strategic evolution of both the TBM and Kodiak lines positions the manufacturer to compete fiercely against industry giants like Textron Aviation and Airbus.

The TBM Family: Introducing the TBM 980

The TBM series has long been recognized for offering jet-like cruise speeds combined with the operational cost benefits of a single-engine turboprop. Following the acquisition of the product line in 2014, Daher launched the highly successful 900-series, which recently celebrated its 600th delivery in 2025.

Next-Generation Avionics and Safety

In January 2026, Daher introduced the TBM 980. According to the company’s specifications, the new variant is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6E-66XT engine paired with a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. The most significant upgrades, however, are found in the cockpit and cabin.

The TBM 980 integrates the third-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, which utilizes three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreens designed to drastically reduce pilot workload. Furthermore, the aircraft features the HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system. In the event of pilot incapacitation, this system can autonomously navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and land the aircraft safely.

Passenger experience has also been a focal point for Daher. The TBM 980 cabin now includes a Starlink Mini satellite internet terminal, high-power USB-C ports, and an upgraded passenger display system. Market reception has been exceptionally strong; Daher reports that production slots are already pushed into 2027. As of April 2026, the company has delivered 10 TBM 980s, including one to long-time customer Dr. Ian Fries, who recently took delivery of his sixth TBM aircraft, a testament to the brand’s high rate of repeat buyers.

The Kodiak Family: Expanding Utility

While the TBM caters to high-speed luxury, the Kodiak family is engineered for remote, off-airport, and amphibious operations. Daher acquired Quest Aircraft in 2019, bringing the unpressurized, 10-seat Kodiak platform into its portfolio.

Scaling Up with the Kodiak 900

Complementing the rugged Kodiak 100 Series III, often described as the ultimate bush plane, Daher launched the Kodiak 900 in 2022, with deliveries commencing in 2023. The Kodiak 900 features a 3.9-foot fuselage extension that increases cabin volume by 20%. Powered by a 900-shaft-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140A engine, it achieves a cruise speed of 210 KTAS.

Daher highlights that the Kodiak 900 achieves a 9% reduction in specific fuel consumption compared to its competitors, significantly lowering the cost-per-seat-mile for commercial operators. To support this expansion, Daher recently invested in its Sandpoint, Idaho facility, adding a $2.7 million paint facility and duplicating final assembly stations to build both Kodiak models in parallel.

Speaking on the aircraft’s environmental and operational benefits in the company’s release, Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft, emphasized its unique market position:

“This is another answer to the commitment of enhancing sustainability and improving the carbon footprint of general aviation. The Kodiak 900 is in a category of its own: a highly versatile unpressurized utility turboprop airplane that can carry impressive payloads while cruising comfortably at 210 KTS in refined luxury.”

2025 Market Performance and Global Reach

Daher’s 2025 delivery figures, released in early 2026, reflect a stabilized market with strong geographic demand. The company delivered a total of 76 aircraft last year, comprising 51 TBMs (primarily the TBM 960) and 25 Kodiaks.

Delivery Milestones and Multi-Mission Growth

By the close of 2025, Daher’s cumulative deliveries reached 1,294 TBMs and 390 Kodiaks, with the global fleet accumulating approximately 3 million flight hours. Geographic dominance remains heavily skewed toward the Americas, which accounted for over 75% of TBM deliveries in 2025, followed by Europe at 23%. To further capitalize on emerging markets, Daher established a new operational hub in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2025.

Beyond private ownership, Daher is seeing significant growth in the multi-mission segment. In 2025, 30% of Kodiak deliveries were allocated for multi-mission roles, including North American law enforcement. Similarly, the TBM platform is being adapted for public service; the Canadian Conair Group currently utilizes TBM 960s as “birddog” aircraft to coordinate aerial firefighting drops over active wildfires.

Reflecting on the company’s operational resilience, Chabbert noted the dedication of the manufacturing teams:

“Our teams remained fully mobilized through the final days of 2025 with one clear priority: delivering for our customers. Their commitment highlighted our ability to stay focused on execution and customer promises, even as conditions evolved during the year.”

AirPro News analysis

Daher’s strategy of maintaining two highly distinct aircraft lines is proving to be a formidable moat in the single-engine turboprop market. By refusing to blend the TBM and Kodiak into a compromised middle-ground aircraft, Daher effectively captures both the high-net-worth owner-operator seeking jet-like speeds and the commercial/utility operator requiring rugged payload capacity.

The introduction of the TBM 980 is particularly notable for its integration of consumer-grade technology, such as Starlink, alongside advanced safety automation like Garmin’s HomeSafe. This reflects a broader aviation trend where reducing pilot workload and enhancing passenger connectivity are becoming just as critical as raw aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, the 9% fuel efficiency gain in the Kodiak 900 aligns perfectly with the general aviation sector’s increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability without sacrificing utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the newest aircraft in the TBM family?
The newest model is the TBM 980, launched in January 2026. It features Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, Starlink connectivity, and the HomeSafe emergency autoland system.

Where are Daher aircraft manufactured?
Daher utilizes a dual-continent manufacturing footprint. The TBM family is built in Tarbes, France, while the Kodiak family is manufactured in Sandpoint, Idaho, in the United States.

How many aircraft did Daher deliver in 2025?
Daher delivered a total of 76 aircraft in 2025, consisting of 51 TBMs and 25 Kodiaks.

What is the difference between the Kodiak 100 and the Kodiak 900?
The Kodiak 100 is designed as a rugged, short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) bush plane. The Kodiak 900, introduced in 2022, features a 3.9-foot longer fuselage, a more powerful 900-shp engine, and a faster cruise speed of 210 KTAS, making it better suited for higher-capacity commercial and utility operations.

Sources

• Daher Press Release