Press Release

Issued by Daher Aerospace.

September 16, 2008

EADS Socata today launched its Russian marketing program for the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop aircraft in Russia, with the company taking an active participation in the 3rd annual JetExpo International Business Aviation Exhibition, being held on September 17 to 19 at Moscow's Vnukovo airport. 

To illustrate the advantages of its Very Fast Turboprop concept, EADS Socata's exhibit at JetExpo will include a TBM 700 demonstrator – the immediate predecessor of the TBM 850 model currently in production.  

Launched earlier this year, the TBM 850 features an all-glass flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system. It replaces traditional instruments with large liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, while also integrating primary flight, navigation, weather, traffic, ground proximity and technical information – fully associated with a digital autopilot. This reduces pilot workload and eases maintenance. As a result, the TBM 850 is one of the world's most advanced light business aircraft available today. 

In addition, the TBM 850's environmental and vapor control system has been replaced by the Global Air Control System from Liebherr Aerospace, which is more efficient and offers a true dual-zone temperature control – a first for an aircraft in the TBM category.The aircraft's cabin interior has been entirely redesigned to offer more space, elegance and comfort, along with superb leather finishing.  

"We believe Russia has a great potential for business aircraft, and it now is the right time to begin formally promoting the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop in this country," said Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata's Vice President - Sales and Marketing. "The rising demand for personal transportation in Russia is creating a growing demand for aircraft in the class of the TBM 850. This is why we want to begin offering the TBM850 as one of the most economical solutions for this region of the world."  

Chabbert said EADS Socata has several good potential customers, and the company already has sold one TBM 850 that was operated from Moscow.

To have a permanent presence in Russia, EADS Socata has selected Moscow-based, Infinity Aviation as its exclusive Aircraft Sales Representative 

for the market.