Daher Delivers First TBM 980 to Brazilian Customer

Daher Aircraft has delivered its first TBM 980 to a Brazilian customer, marking the entry of the newly certified turboprop into South America’s largest business aviation market. The milestone delivery, announced on August 3, 2026, in São Paulo, went to an undisclosed entrepreneur upgrading from a previous TBM 900 model.

In a press release, Daher noted the aircraft will be utilized to connect multiple cattle ranches and farms across Brazil, leveraging the TBM 980’s capability to operate from semi-prepared runways. The delivery follows the aircraft’s airworthiness certification by Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) in March 2026.

Expanding footprint in the Brazilian market

Brazil represents a critical growth area for Daher’s turboprop portfolio, driven by demand from the agribusiness, construction, and mining sectors. To support this demand, the manufacturer established Daher Aircraft Brasil in São Paulo in October 2025, focusing on local customer relationships and technical support.

Since the subsidiary’s launch, Daher has sold five TBM 980s and one TBM 960 in the country. The national fleet currently includes approximately 60 TBM aircraft of various generations, alongside seven utility-category Kodiak 100s. Globally, Daher has delivered more than 30 TBM 980s since unveiling the model in January 2026.

Avionics and safety technology

The TBM 980 introduces the third-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite to the product line. The system features three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays designed to improve cockpit ergonomics and reduce pilot workload through customizable presets and a streamlined interface.

The aircraft retains Daher’s e-copilot safety suite, which includes flight envelope monitoring, advanced weather detection, icing protection, and an emergency descent mode. The suite also incorporates the HomeSafe emergency autoland functionality. Power is supplied by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT engine paired with a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller, both managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

AirPro News analysis

The rapid accumulation of TBM 980 sales in Brazil following the establishment of Daher Aircraft Brasil underscores the value of localized OEM support in high-growth regions. For operators in Brazilian agribusiness and mining, the combination of high-speed cruise and semi-prepared runway performance offers a distinct operational advantage over light jets, which often require paved infrastructure. We expect Daher’s regional footprint to continue expanding as older TBM 900-series operators look to upgrade to the G3000 PRIME flight deck.

Sources: Daher Aircraft