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Daher has announced the delivery of its 900th TBM very fast turboprop aircraft, with the milestone TBM 930 version provided to Thomas Solano, an IT entrepreneur in Jacksonville, Florida.

The achievement comes as Daher’s TBM 900 family maintains a solid market position in the entry-level turboprop and small jet category of the business aviation and general aviation sectors.

Daher is currently producing TBM 900-series aircraft - the sixth evolution from the original TBM 700 configuration - which are offered in two production versions: the TBM 930, incorporating Garmin’s G3000 integrated flight deck and touch screen controls; and the TBM 910, with Garmin next-generation G1000 NXi avionics technology.

“We are committed to maintaining the TBM as best-in-class for the long-term, and will continue a sustained production rate for the aircraft,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the Daher Airplane Business Unit. “This will be supported by our extensive in-house design, development and engineering capabilities, backed by the full support of our Daher parent company’s technical and financial resources.”

Chabbert noted that the TBM 900 family members have become the fastest-selling TBM versions ever - with 238 aircraft produced since the series was unveiled in March 2014.

As part of the TBM’s continuous improvement strategy, Daher regularly introduces enhancements for the aircraft, its avionics and cabin, along with developments in the services and support offerings. The enhancements include aerodynamic optimization of the airframe, the creation of a quick-change lavatory compartment for the aft cabin, and development of the “Me & My TBM” application for Android and iOS devices to provide unique and valuable feedback on TBM flights.

The no.1 TBM’s maiden flight occurred in July 1988, with its 30-year milestone of the original TBM 700 version’s initial takeoff being recognized this week during Daher’s participation at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in. EAA AirVenture is one of aviation’s largest gatherings worldwide, and the event is regularly attended by many TBM owners and operators.

“It’s appropriate that we are welcoming TBM community members from around the world to EAA AirVenture at the three-decade mark of the TBM 700’s maiden takeoff,” Chabbert added. “For the past 30 years, our TBM family has set the standards in its class, becoming business aviation’s second-best selling aircraft.”

The milestone 900th aircraft that was delivered to Thomas Solano becomes this owner’s second TBM. His new TBM 930 replaced a TBM 850 that he acquired in 2012.

Solano is a successful entrepreneur in the software development sector who created his company just a few years after graduating from college. A passionate pilot with both aircraft and helicopter ratings, he uses the TBM for business and private trips. “You just don’t buy a TBM, you became a part of the family,” Solano said. “Since my introduction to the TBM and Daher in 2012, I’ve had a very positive experience. The company has been responsible, attentive and caring.”

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 26th July 2018 | Issue #473