From legacy to leadership: Daher’s evolution of the TBM and Kodiak airplane families 

The Daher aircraft story is one of continuity and development, built on more than a century of aeronautical heritage and carried forward through innovation and investment. As the world’s oldest airplane manufacturer in continuous operation today, Daher traces its roots to the pioneering French company, Morane-Saulnier, founded in 1911.  

This legacy continues through two complementary airplane families from the Daher Aircraft business line: the high-performance TBM, built in France; and the versatile Kodiak, produced in the U.S. – both of which have evolved significantly under Daher’s stewardship. 

The latest chapter: the TBM 980

Since Daher acquired the TBM product line in 2014, it has overseen the continued development of this fast and efficient single-engine turboprop aircraft. Following the TBM 700’s service entry in 1990 and the subsequent TBM 850 variant, the product line expanded under Daher’s management with the TBM 900-series, which now encompasses six versions with the newest variant: the TBM 980. 

More than 600 aircraft have been delivered by Daher in the TBM 900-series, contributing to nearly 1,300 TBMs produced overall. Across the global fleet, TBM aircraft have accumulated more than 2.6 million flight hours, with repeat customers accounting for nearly half of the ongoing sales. 

Daher Aircraft’s introduction of the TBM 980 marked a further step in this progression. In the months since its January unveiling at the company’s Tarbes, France headquarters and final assembly facility, 10 aircraft have been delivered – nine to customers, and one demonstrator now based at Daher Aircraft’s U.S. operations in Pompano Beach, Florida. The strong demand has extended the offer of production slots into 2027. 

Among the initial TBM 980 deliveries was an airplane for Dr. Ian Fries, a long-time customer who has now acquired his sixth TBM family aircraft during the past 20+ years. His continued loyalty as a TBM aviator reflects both customer retention and the continuity of the aircraft’s development. 

Advancing the pilot and passenger experience 

A central element of the TBM 980 is its integration of the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, representing the latest evolution in the aircraft’s cockpit systems. The flight deck incorporates three large touchscreen displays, along with increased processing capability and an updated interface designed to streamline pilot interaction and reduce workload. 

Cabin updates focus on passenger comfort and connectivity. The six-seat interior includes provisions for a Starlink Mini satellite internet terminal, high-power USB-C charging ports and an upgraded passenger display with in-flight data.  

Expanding capability with the Kodiak 

Daher’s approach to product development also is reflected in the Kodiak aircraft family, acquired by the company in 2019. Designed as a multi-role turboprop platform with a 10-seat unpressurized cabin, the Kodiak is tailored for operations in remote and off-airport environments, and is particularly in demand today by multi-mission operators. 

In 2021, Daher Aircraft introduced the Kodiak 100 Series III, incorporating updates in safety systems, cabin configuration and operational capability. The aircraft is designed for use in a full range of conditions, including from unimproved and backcountry airstrips, as well as in amphibious operations on floats. 

The product line’s development took another important step in 2022 with the introduction of the larger and faster Kodiak 900. Benefitting from increased cabin volume, higher cruise speeds and changes aimed at improving operating efficiency, the Kodiak 900 expanded the platform’s range of potential applications for both commercial and private operators. 

Accompanying the Kodiak’s evolution is Daher’s investments in the U.S. industrial facility at Sandpoint, Idaho, which includes the installation of a $2.7 million paint facility for new production airplanes, and the duplication of certain final assembly line stations to enable the parallel build-up of Kodiak 100s and Kodiak 900s. 

A proven strategy for today and the future  

Across both product lines, Daher has applied a consistent approach focused on development, operational capabilities and long-term support. The TBM and Kodiak serve different mission profiles, but they reflect a shared emphasis on adapting to customer requirements and technological improvements, while maintaining continuity with their original design philosophies. 

Recent developments – including the TBM 980’s introduction and the Kodiak family’s expansion – illustrate how these aircraft are being updated over time. Together, they represent Daher’s ongoing role in the general aviation and business aviation sectors, built on a combination of heritage and continued evolution.