France based general aviation aircraft maker DAHER-SOCATA announced improved performance in 2014 following increased TBM 900 turboprop a...
France based general aviation aircraft maker DAHER-SOCATA announced improved performance in 2014 following increased TBM 900 turboprop aircraft sales.
The company delivered 51 new TBM 900s in 2014, which represented a 27-percent increase from 2013 for the family of very fast turboprop aircraft.
The majority of TBM 900s purchased in 2014 were for customers in the U.S. and Canadian markets (representing 78 percent), while new business also came from other key aviation regions of the world. South America accounted for 10 percent, mostly in Brazil; Europe was next, with 8 percent of the sales; and Asia-Pacific represented the remaining 4 percent.
With an order intake for 64 aircraft in 2014, it was the best year ever in terms of TBM sales volume, and the second best year, after 2008 in which 60 were sold.
In used aircraft market, Daher also handled some 150 aircraft transactions during the year.
Daher introduced the PT6A-66D engine powered TBM 900 model in March 2014, the latest evolution of the TBM family which began in 1990 as TBM 700.
The aircraft incorporate enhancements that include aerodynamic optimization, a five-blade composite propeller and redesigned spinner, complete nose-to-firewall redesign for improved engine airflow circulation, enhanced human-machine interface features, a completely revamped electrical system and increased passenger comfort.
The TBM 900 deliveries in 2014 bring total TBM-series aircraft received by customers to 713 units, with this global fleet accumulating more than 1.2 million flight hours as of January 15.
