Blackbrooks, an aircraft management company, has taken delivery of a TBM 850 - one of the first to be put into operation in Europe.

Operations director John Sirett said: "It replaces the TBM 700 that we bought two years ago and has about 800 hours on it."

The TBM 850 owner, the ceo of a UK plc, uses the aircraft to meet tight deadlines for business meetings in Europe.

Blackbrooks, based in Buckinghamshire, UK, also operates a King Air C90-1 for business charter.

Sirett said the TBM 850 is cost-effective to run and good value for money. "The TBM 850 may be a single engine aircraft but it is ideal for a company like ours where the client's plans may change at the drop of a hat.

"It's good for four-hour hops, can reach around 310 to 320 knots, and is excellent for small passenger loads. We looked very carefully at Very Lights Jets. However, both the 700 and the 850 give the speed and versatility of the VLJs but are more economical to purchase and run."

The TBM 850's trips have already taken in Oslo, Prague, Budapest and Malaga.

Stephane Mayer, ceo of EADS Socata, says that the order books for the TBM 850 have topped 35 and reservations for 2007 are starting.

Michael Pearce, md of Biggin Hill-based Air Touring, exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland

for Socata said it had sold more than 20 TBMs.

He added: "It is the fastest single engine turboprop and it is the ultimate owner-pilot aircraft being designed for single pilot operation."

Pearce confirms that the next available delivery position is now in 2007.