Daher has returned to NBAA with the latest version of its flagship TBM 930, and is using the showcase to drum up sales of its single-engined turboprop family within the US charter community.
Nicholas Chabbert, senior vice-president of Daher’s airplane business unit, says US charter operators currently represent about 2% of the 860-strong global TBM fleet – owner flyers make up the majority with an 81% share.
“There is so much potential for growth in this sector," says Chabbert.
The French airframer began promoting the TBM-series as a commercial platform in 2015, and its efforts are bearing fruit. “In the two years since we began promoting TBM-series aircraft for charter and for-hire applications, commercial operators’ interest in single-engine turboprops has steadily risen,” Chabbert says, with 21 recorded worldwide today. Most are located in the USA, where 13 Part 135-registered operators fly a combined fleet of 16 TBMs – mainly 850 models. “This compares with 10 aircraft in 2016,” Chabbert says.
Daher
The current TBM line-up – which includes the baseline TBM 910 – “responds to the key priorities of charter operators and their passengers": safe transportation, high levels of comfort, and time and money savings.
“Safety takes precedence on all TBM aircraft, which are known for their sturdy airframe and highly reliable Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine,” says Chabbert.
The 2017 versions are also equipped with Daher’s bespoke e-copilot safety system which incorporates a sensor and angle-of-attack calculator; electronic stabilisation and protection systems, and under-speed protection. An AmSafe seatbelt airbag is available as an option.
Daher has also restyled the cabins of 2017 TBMs to boost passenger comfort. Key features include new seat cushions, headrests and armrests, backlit cabin temperature controls, as well as high-power USB charging ports on both sides of the cabin.
Daher has shipped 38 TBM 910/930s since 1 January and expects to delivery 56 examples in the full year – evenly split between the two models.
Source: Flight Daily News
