Daher's aircraft division delivered 73 aircraft from its Kodiak and TBM single-engine turboprop product lines in 2022, and received record orders during the year for some 100 to be delivered in 2023 and 2024.
The results underscore the combination of performance and efficiency provided by the Kodiak and TBM, as well as Daher's continual improvement strategy for these aircraft, underscored by the 2022 unveiling of its two latest versions: the TBM 960 with enhanced digital control and the enlarged Kodiak 900.
“Last year's business performance benefitted from the dedicated efforts of our production, delivery and sales teams on both sides of the Atlantic, along with our firm engagement to deal with the aviation industry's continued supply chain challenges and employment shortages,” says senior vice president Nicolas Chabbert.
As in previous years, the majority of TBMs delivered during 2022 were provided to the customer base of TBM pilot/owners in North America (40 aircraft), while increased demand from Europe resulted in 11 deliveries.
For the Kodiak, Daher's family expansion with the Kodiak 900, combined with the continued popularity of the Kodiak 100 Series III version, boosted the market interest for this utility/STOL (short take off and landing) aircraft in 2022. During the year, 17 Kodiak 100s were delivered to a mix of corporate/business operators, private owners and special mission customers. The majority of these were provided in North America, with one aircraft delivered in Europe.
Daher's launch of the Kodiak 900 has opened significant new sales opportunities, with its 3.9 ft fuselage extension that provides more passenger room and cargo space, the cruise speed increase to 210 ktas and a greater useful load while offering a maximum range of 1,129 nm. Additionally, the Kodiak 900's operating economics have been improved, with a nine per cent reduction in specific fuel consumption, which lowers the cost-per-seat-mile and the direct operating costs for commercial operators.
Owner feedback on the TBM 960 is highly positive, with the in-service fleet steadily growing since deliveries began in 2022. Features of this latest TBM family member include Pratt & Whitney Canada's advanced PT6E-66XT engine and a fully digital e-throttle (the engine and propeller electronic control system/EPECS), along with a digitally-controlled cabin that incorporates an all new environmental control system, LED ambience lighting and electrically-dimmable windows.