Brazil Approves Daher's TBM 980

Daher Aircraft expects to deliver the first of its new TBM 980s in Brazil after receiving approval from the country's ANAC aviation authority on Monday. The local regulator validated the single-turboprop aircraft's EASA type certification, which has also received a sign-off for the U.S. market from the FAA.

According to the French manufacturer, the six-seater is “perfectly tailored for the Brazilian market, combining operating efficiency with near jet-like speeds and excellent range that enables point-to-point flights across Brazil and South America.” Speaking in October 2025, Daher CEO Nicolas Chabbert explained that “the TBM in this market makes perfect sense… There is a huge country to cover, and the cost of operation, specifically for a jet, is making it a little bit complicated.”

Around 60 TBMs in various versions operate in and around Brazil, a market Daher sees as “dynamic” and where it recently established a local subsidiary. In October 2025, Daher suggested its creation of a new operation in São Paulo would help double its annual regional sales to around six or seven TBM and Kodiak turboprops.

Following the latest TBM's formal launch in January, five units have been delivered to U.S. customers from Daher’s final assembly line in Tarbes, France. A sixth aircraft, based at the company’s facility in Florida, will serve as Daher Aircraft’s demonstrator.