The first TBM 980 for a Brazilian customer has been delivered to an entrepreneur who upgraded from a TBM 900 version, selecting the TBM 980 for its third-generation Garmin G3000 Prime avionics and the TBM’s combination of speed, efficiency and operational flexibility. The customer owns multiple cattle ranches and farms throughout Brazil and will use the aircraft to travel between these locations, taking off and landing from semi-prepared runways.

The TBM 980 received ANAC certification earlier in the year. The country’s geographic size and strong industry sectors such as agribusiness, construction and mining create a demand for efficient regional transportation solutions for which the TBM, and Kodiak, are particularly well suited.

Daher established its Sao Paulo-based Daher Aircraft Brasil entity last October to strengthen the local presence for customer relationships and technical support. Five TBM 980s and one TBM 960 have been sold since October, and today approximately 60 TBMs of various versions are operated in the country, along with seven Kodiak 100s.