Business Aviation
Daher Delivers 1,300th TBM 980 High-Performance Turboprop
Daher Aircraft marks delivery of its 1,300th TBM, the TBM 980, highlighting advanced avionics and sustained global demand.

This article is based on an official press release from Daher Aircraft.
Daher Aircraft has officially delivered its 1,300th TBM family airplane, marking a significant production milestone for the high-performance turboprop line. The announcement was made on April 22, 2026, at the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show in Germany, according to a company press release.
The milestone aircraft is a newly introduced TBM 980, which was handed over to an undisclosed customer based in the United States. This delivery underscores the sustained global demand for the TBM series, particularly among private owners and business aviation operators seeking a balance of jet-like performance and turboprop efficiency.
As we observe the broader aviation market, the continued success of the TBM 900-series highlights a strong preference for versatile, single-engine aircraft capable of operating from shorter runways while offering advanced safety and avionics features. Daher currently offers both the TBM 980 and the TBM 960, which was launched in 2022, in its active sales catalog.
The Milestone Aircraft: TBM 980
Performance and Specifications
The 1,300th delivery highlights the capabilities of the TBM 980, a high-performance, six-seat single-engine turboprop. According to supplemental industry research, the aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 330 knots true airspeed (KTAS) and a maximum range of up to 1,730 nautical miles. It is highly versatile, capable of operating from shorter runways with a takeoff distance of just 2,535 feet.
In its official release, Daher notes that the TBM 980 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s advanced PT6E-66XT engine, paired with a five-blade composite propeller manufactured by Hartzell Propeller. These components are linked to a dual-channel digital Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS) and a fully digital e-throttle, optimizing both fuel efficiency and pilot responsiveness.
Next-Generation Avionics
A major selling point of the TBM 980 is its integration of Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics suite. Industry data indicates this system received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in October 2024. The interface features three 14-inch, edge-to-edge touchscreen displays designed to reduce pilot workload through a shallower menu structure.
Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with the HomeSafe™ fully automated emergency landing system. In the event of pilot incapacitation, this system autonomously manages the aircraft’s descent, communication, and landing at the nearest suitable airport, providing a critical layer of safety for owner-operators.
Daher’s Legacy and Market Position
Evolution of the TBM Family
The TBM series has a long-standing reputation in the aviation sector. According to the Daher press release, the aircraft family entered service in 1990 with the TBM 700 version, followed by the higher-performance TBM 850 in the mid-2000s. Daher acquired the product line in 2014 and has since introduced six consecutive versions within the TBM 900-series.
The delivery achievement reflects sustained global demand for the TBM series among private owners, business aviation operators and in utility operations.
Today, nearly half of all 1,300 TBMs delivered belong to the Daher TBM 900-series, cementing its position as the best-selling product line in TBM history. Overall, the combined global TBM fleet has logged more than 2.78 million flight hours across various operations worldwide.
Strategic Unveiling at AERO Friedrichshafen
European Aviation Showcase
The announcement was strategically timed to coincide with AERO Friedrichshafen, running from April 22 to April 25, 2026. The event is recognized as one of Europe’s premier gatherings for general and business aviation. Industry reports note that the 2026 event hosts between 650 and 750 exhibitors from nearly 40 countries, attracting upwards of 32,000 to 35,000 visitors. Exhibiting the TBM 980 at this venue provides Daher with maximum visibility among European and global fleet operators.
AirPro News analysis
The delivery of the 1,300th TBM underscores a broader industry trend that we identify as a “turboprop renaissance.” Aircraft buyers are increasingly opting for high-performance turboprops over traditional light jets. This shift is driven by the lower operating costs, superior fuel efficiency, and short-runway versatility that aircraft like the TBM 980 provide.
Additionally, the fact that the milestone aircraft was delivered to a U.S. customer highlights North America’s continued dominance as the primary driver of general and business aviation demand. The integration of advanced technologies, such as the Garmin G3000 PRIME and the HomeSafe™ Autoland system, represents a massive leap in single-pilot safety. These innovations are making high-performance aviation more accessible and secure, which will likely sustain Daher’s market momentum in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1,300th TBM aircraft delivered?
The 1,300th aircraft delivered by Daher is a TBM 980, the latest evolution in the TBM 900-series, which was handed over to a U.S.-based customer.
What avionics system does the TBM 980 use?
The TBM 980 is equipped with Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics suite, featuring advanced touchscreen displays and enhanced processing power.
How many flight hours has the global TBM fleet logged?
According to Daher Aircraft, the combined global TBM fleet has logged more than 2.78 million flight hours in operations around the world.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
Business Aviation
V2 Jets Acquires Corporate Aviation to Expand Northeast US Market
V2 Jets acquires Corporate Aviation, adding six advisors and expanding its presence in the Northeast US private aviation market.

This article is based on an official press release from V2 Jets via PR Newswire.
V2 Jets Acquires Corporate Aviation to Expand Northeast Footprint
On June 1, 2026, Boca Raton-based private aviation charter company V2 Jets officially announced its acquisitions of Corporate Aviation, a charter brokerage headquartered in Massachusetts. According to the company’s press release, the strategic acquisition is designed to significantly expand V2 Jets’ presence in the highly lucrative Northeast United States market.
The deal brings an established Northeast client base into the V2 Jets portfolio and adds six tenured aviation advisors to its roster. This move highlights a growing industry trend toward flexible, non-membership travel solutions, as brokerages scale their operations to meet shifting consumer demands. Financial terms of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed in the initial announcement.
V2 Jets, which has been operating for approximately 10 years with primary offices in Florida and New York City, is known for its high-touch, advisor-driven service model. By absorbing Corporate Aviation, a firm recognized for its long-standing client relationships and deep industry expertise, V2 Jets aims to scale its personalized approach to private travel without compromising service quality.
Scaling Operations in the Northeast Corridor
Integrating Tenured Advisors
The Northeast corridor remains one of the most critical hubs for private and corporate aviation. According to the official announcement, acquiring Corporate Aviation allows V2 Jets to immediately boost its footprint in this vital region. A key component of the acquisition is the retention of human capital; V2 Jets is bringing on six experienced aviation advisors from the Massachusetts-based firm.
Company leadership emphasized that maintaining an individualized, high-touch service model requires experienced personnel who understand the nuances of private charter logistics. In the press release, V2 Jets Co-Founder Steven Rosenzweig highlighted the importance of this foundation:
“Corporate Aviation has built meaningful relationships and earned a respected reputation in this industry. Bringing their team into the V2 Jets family gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, expand our advisory bench, and continue delivering the experience our clients expect as we grow.”
Capitalizing on Non-Membership Travel Trends
Flexible Alternatives to Jet Cards
The acquisition aligns with V2 Jets’ core business model, which differentiates itself by providing tailored flight solutions without requiring upfront commitments or traditional membership fees. The company currently offers on-demand charter services, a funds-on-account program known as the V2 Vault, and the Obsidian Membership, a flexible alternative designed for frequent flyers who wish to avoid rigid jet card programs.
Industry data provided in the announcement’s background notes that post-pandemic private flyers have expressed increasing fatigue with the strict rules, blackout dates, and high upfront costs associated with traditional jet cards. This shift in consumer preference has driven growth for on-demand and advisor-led brokerages. Guy Endzweig, Co-Founder of V2 Jets, noted in the release that the acquisition directly supports this relationship-first approach:
“Private aviation has always been about more than arranging flights. It takes experience, planning, and trusted relationships built over time. This acquisition deepens our ability to deliver exactly that – on a greater scale.”
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view this acquisition as a clear indicator of ongoing market consolidation within the private aviation brokerage sector. As the post-pandemic travel boom stabilizes, mid-sized brokerages are increasingly looking to mergers and acquisitions to consolidate client bases and acquire top-tier talent. The addition of six tenured advisors is particularly notable, as human capital remains a primary bottleneck for scaling bespoke, high-touch concierge services.
Furthermore, V2 Jets has publicly signaled that its growth trajectory will not stop in the Northeast. The company plans to continue expanding its team and is targeting broader global markets in the near future. We anticipate that the success of this integration will serve as a blueprint for V2 Jets as it evaluates further international acquisitions, particularly in regions where demand for non-membership, advisor-driven charter services is outpacing traditional fractional ownership and jet card models.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the acquisition announced?
V2 Jets officially announced the acquisition of Corporate Aviation via PR Newswire on June 1, 2026.
How many employees are joining V2 Jets?
According to the press release, the deal includes the addition of six tenured aviation advisors from Corporate Aviation to the V2 Jets team.
Were the financial details of the deal made public?
No, the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the official announcement.
Sources: V2 Jets via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: V2 Jets
Business Aviation
Bain Capital Launches JB Aircraft Finance for Mid-Life Corporate Jets
Bain Capital, with aviation experts, launches JB Aircraft Finance to offer flexible financing solutions for mid-life corporate aircraft.

On June 2, 2026, Bain Capital announced the launch of JB Aircraft Finance, LLC, a new corporate jet financing and leasing platform. According to the official press release, the venture was established in partnership with aviation industry veteran Thomas Garbaccio and Miami-based Brickell Asset Management, LLC.
The newly formed entity aims to address a specific gap in the corporate aviation market by offering flexible, asset-backed financing solutions tailored to mid-life corporate Commercial-Aircraft. This segment has historically lagged behind the commercial aviation sector in terms of leasing flexibility and financial product availability.
By combining Bain Capital’s extensive capital resources with Brickell Asset Management’s operational infrastructure, JB Aircraft Finance intends to serve aircraft owners, operators, original equipment OEMs, and brokers. The platform will offer a comprehensive suite of financial products, including operating leases, financial leases, and bespoke financing transactions.
Bridging the Gap in Corporate Aviation Finance
The Mid-Life Aircraft Opportunity
Historically, the commercial aviation sector has heavily relied on leasing and asset-backed financing, with over 50% of commercial fleets often operating on lease agreements. However, as noted in the provided company statements, the corporate and business aviation sectors have not enjoyed the same level of financial flexibility.
Mid-life corporate aircraft represent a particularly underdeveloped segment. Charter operators and private owners frequently find their capital tied up in aging fleets. JB Aircraft Finance aims to capitalize on this by offering sale-and-leaseback options, allowing operators to free up cash and improve liquidity without diluting shareholder equity.
“JB Aircraft Finance, LLC is addressing a clear gap in the corporate aircraft market by providing flexible, asset-backed financing solutions for mid-life aircraft, an area that has been underdeveloped compared to commercial aircraft leasing. We look forward to supporting a differentiated platform capable of moving with the speed and certainty that our counterparties require.”
, Matt Evans, Partner at Bain Capital Special Situations
Strategic Partnerships and Leadership
A Proven Executive Team
The platform is spearheaded by CEO Thomas Garbaccio, a veteran aviation industry executive with a track record of successful ventures. According to industry background data, Garbaccio previously founded and served as CEO of Jet Bank, a Fort Lauderdale-based corporate aircraft leasing firm that launched in mid-2023 with a $250 million initial equity raise. He also launched FTAI Aviation, a commercial aircraft engine leasing company that achieved a $2.9 billion market capitalization on the NASDAQ.
Brickell Asset Management, founded in 2006 and based in Miami, Florida, brings specialized experience in acquiring, leasing, and selling commercial aircraft and engines. According to the press release, Brickell will provide the robust operational infrastructure required to scale the new portfolio with discipline, complementing Bain Capital’s more than 20 years of aviation investment experience.
“By tailoring our financing solutions specifically to mid-life aircraft, JB Aircraft Finance, LLC is addressing an underserved segment of the market. Our immediate goal is to steadily grow our aircraft base and continue to build a highly diversified, industry-leading portfolio.”
, Thomas Garbaccio, CEO of JB Aircraft Finance, LLC
AirPro News analysis
We view the launch of JB Aircraft Finance as a significant indicator that business aviation is maturing to meet the sophisticated financial standards long established in commercial aviation. In a high-interest-rate environment, charter operators and private owners face increasing pressure to optimize their balance sheets.
The synergy between a major private equity firm like Bain Capital and proven operational partners suggests a strong foundation for this venture. By unlocking equity through sale-and-leaseback agreements, operators will likely have greater capacity to upgrade fleets or expand operations, potentially stimulating further transaction activity in the mid-life corporate jet market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does JB Aircraft Finance, LLC provide?
The company provides a comprehensive suite of financing solutions specifically for mid-life corporate aircraft, including operating leases, financial leases, and customized financing transactions.
Who are the key partners in this venture?
The platform is a strategic Partnerships between Bain Capital Special Situations, aviation executive Thomas Garbaccio (who serves as CEO), and Miami-based Brickell Asset Management, LLC.
Sources
Photo Credit: Bain Capital
Business Aviation
Textron Aviation Rolls Out 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 Ahead of Gen3 Launch
Textron Aviation celebrates the 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 rollout and prepares for the CJ4 Gen3 with advanced avionics and Emergency Autoland.

Textron Aviation Rolls Out 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 as Gen3 Era Approaches
On June 1, 2026, Textron Aviation celebrated the rollout of its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 series aircraft at its manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas. According to the company’s official press release, the milestone aircraft is a Citation CJ4 Gen2, marking a significant achievement for one of the most popular platforms in the light jet market.
The CJ4 series has been a staple in business aviation since its initial deliveries began in 2010. Over its 16-year production run, the aircraft has built a strong reputation among owner-operators and corporate flight departments for its reliability, productivity, and single-pilot capabilities.
As Textron Aviation commemorates this production milestone, the manufacturers is simultaneously preparing for the future. The company is currently working toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and the anticipated late-2026 entry into service of its next-generation model, the Citation CJ4 Gen3.
A Legacy of Light Jet Leadership
Steady Production and Market Position
The Cessna Citation family remains the most popular line of business jets globally, with the CJ4 positioned at the top of the CJ series. As the largest and most capable model in the lineup, it effectively bridges the gap between traditional light jets and midsize aircraft.
Industry data highlights the platform’s consistent market demand. Over the last decade, CJ4 delivery numbers have generally fluctuated between 23 and 33 units annually, with 30 units delivered in 2025. Textron Aviation leadership emphasized the workforce’s role in maintaining this steady output.
“This milestone reflects the people behind every aircraft we deliver. Our employees bring exceptional craftsmanship, care and consistency to the production line each day… earning the trust of our customers.”
Transitioning to the Gen3 Era
Technological Leaps and Avionics
Announced at the National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in October 2024, the CJ4 Gen3 represents a major technological leap for the platform. According to Textron Aviation, the Gen3 will be the first business jet to feature the all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME integrated flight deck.
This advanced avionics suite utilizes streamlined touchscreens, faster processing speeds, and a smoother flight deck flow designed to significantly reduce pilot workload during all phases of flight.
Autonomous Safety Features
A defining characteristic of the upcoming Gen3 lineup is the integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland as a standard feature. Because the CJ4 is certified for single-pilot operation, this system provides a critical safety net. In the event of pilot incapacitation, a passenger can activate the system to autonomously navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and safely land the aircraft.
“This gives pilots and passengers the peace of mind knowing that if an event like this happened… a passenger can go into the cockpit, press a dedicated button, and have the aircraft take over.”
Beyond avionics, the CJ4 Gen3 introduces several design enhancements. These include new factory winglets with enhanced accent lighting for improved ramp appeal, upgraded interior acoustics to reduce cabin noise, and a True Blue Power lithium-ion main-ship battery that lowers overall weight while improving starting power.
Performance and Development Timeline
Specifications and Milestones
The CJ4 Gen3 maintains the robust performance specifications that have defined the series. The aircraft boasts a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles (4,010 km) and a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots true airspeed (835 km/h). It can accommodate up to 11 passengers, offers a useful load of 6,930 pounds (3,152 kg), and has a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet.
The development program has progressed steadily since the prototype’s first flight in October 2024. A second test article successfully completed its first flight in May 2025, focusing on avionics, human factors, and interior testing. In the same week as the 500th CJ4 rollout, Textron Aviation also announced the successful first-flight of the prototype for another next-generation light jet, the Citation M2 Gen3.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the integration of Garmin Emergency Autoland across Textron’s new Gen3 light jet lineup (including the M2 Gen3, CJ3 Gen3, and CJ4 Gen3) reflects a broader, industry-wide push toward automating emergency procedures. For owner-operators and their families, the inclusion of a system capable of autonomously landing the plane is rapidly shifting from a luxury add-on to an expected standard in single-pilot aircraft.
Furthermore, the transition to touchscreen-centric avionics like the G3000 PRIME mirrors trends in the broader consumer technology market. By making flight decks more intuitive and reducing the reliance on traditional button-heavy interfaces, manufacturers are actively working to lower the steep learning curve associated with modern business aviation, potentially attracting a new generation of owner-operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Cessna Citation CJ4 first enter service?
Initial deliveries of the Cessna Citation CJ4 began in 2010.
What are the key new features of the upcoming CJ4 Gen3?
The CJ4 Gen3 features the new Garmin G3000 PRIME integrated flight deck, Garmin Emergency Autoland, fully integrated Garmin Autothrottles, new factory winglets, improved cabin acoustics, and a True Blue Power lithium-ion battery.
When is the CJ4 Gen3 expected to be available to customers?
Textron Aviation expects the CJ4 Gen3 to receive FAA certification and enter into service in late 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
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