2008 ‘Best year ever’ for the TBM program
- 60 TBM 850 deliveries in 2008
- Total TBM deliveries reaches 471 aircraft
15 January 2009
SOCATA has announced today that 60 TBM 850 were delivered in 2008, which brings the total of the Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850 to 148 units delivered since the introduction of this model less than 2 years ago. It is a significant addition to the 323 TBM 700 delivered since the beginning of the TBM program in 1990.
The majority of the 2008 TBM 850 models were purchased in the U.S., however European’s deliveries increased to 20% share. New sales were achieved also in Australia, Bulgaria and Brazil.
“I am proud that a highly symbolic milestone for the TBM program was reached with another record year deliveries of 60 TBM 850s. It was supported by the efforts and the commitment of our teams, the distributors and thanks to the confidence and loyalty of our customers.” commented Jean-Michel Léonard, President of SOCATA and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA. “This excellent result confirms that our TBM 850 is the right product at the right time, when a decline of the turboprop was predicted against Very Light Jets.”
“More and more of small and medium bizjet owners are now considering the Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850 as the right alternative to a very light jet – or other jet-powered aircraft – which are more expensive to operate,” added Nicolas Chabbert, vice-president Sales & Marketing of SOCATA. “The current economic conditions will create some opportunities for the TBM 850, which has an excellent quality-price ratio and very low operating costs” he concluded.
The Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850 is the world’s fastest single engine turboprop, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). A 850-shp version of SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business aircraft, the TBM 850 combines the cruising speed and travel times typical of light jets with economical direct operating costs, while offering the range and excellent payload capacity of turboprop aircraft.
About DAHER-SOCATA
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier.
In addition to aerospace, DAHER specializes in three other sectors: nuclear, defense and industries. DAHER is developing in three fields of expertise: manufacturing, services and transport, which enable it to offer a comprehensive package.
DAHER-SOCATA is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM 850 high-speed turboprop aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets.
DAHER-SOCATA is expanding its customer service activities to support its growing fleet of TBMs and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers.
Founded in 1863, DAHER is an exclusively family-run, independent international group, with more than 7,200 employees and 12 international installations (4 in Western Europe, 3 in Eastern Europe, 2 in North America, 2 in Africa and 1 in Australia). DAHER will exceed a €930 million turnover in 2009.
Contact
| Philippe de Segovia |
Tel.: +33 (0) 6 70 21 70 47 mailto: p.de-segovia@socata.daher.com |
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