Turboprop manufacturer Daher has added new features to its 2018 production TBM 910 and TBM 930, including the first electrically-heated seats for an aircraft in the SET category. Once the heating mode is engaged by the pilot via a master control in the cockpit, each occupant can choose whether to utilise the heating, and can select between 'light' and 'moderate'.

Other improvements in the 2018 models are aimed at enhancing the pilot interface. These include backlighting on the cockpit's central console to provide enhanced visibility at night for the manual trim, power lever, flaps lever and override controls. A microphone has also been incorporated into the pilot's oxygen mask to facilitate clear communication with air traffic control when the mask is in use. Senior VP Nicolas Chabbert says: "In addition to benefitting our owners and operators, these modifications enhance the in-flight experience for passengers, which is important as we see the development of TBM sales to corporate and commercial operators."

In addition to the inclusion of Total Care Program (TCP) coverage as part of the TBM 'Elite' package, 2018 TBM 910/930 customers will receive subscriptions to the Garmin Pilot database and Jeppesen Pilot Pak bundle and, where available, a three-month subscription to Sirius XM weather and radio.

Daher has also been buoyed by its 2017 figures. The OEM delivered 57 aircraft last year, having handed over 54 units in 2016.

Deliveries were divided between the TBM 910 version, launched in April 2017 and equipped with Garmin's G1000 NXi all-glass avionics suite, and the TBM 930, which emerged in 2016 and features the touch screen all-glass G3000.

While North America led the way for ordering these aircraft, Europe came in second, with 10 deliveries spread across France, Germany, UK and Poland.

Since the TBM's market entry in 1990, Daher has built 879 aircraft, including earlier-production TBM 700s and 850s.

"The 2017 results confirm the continued appeal of our very fast turboprop for the owner-pilot population, with TBM 910s and TBM 930s acquired by current TBM owners and new customers alike," concludes Chabbert.