Daher has refreshed its family of high-performance turboprop singles, with the launch of the $5.82 million TBM 980 during an event today at its headquarters in Tarbes, France. The main change for the latest version of the aircraft is in the cockpit, which now sports Garmin’s third-generation G3000 Prime avionics suite. EASA has issued airworthiness certification for the new TBM model, and this approval has been validated by the FAA. The first TBM 980 delivery is planned for January 28.

Meanwhile, the cabin features enhancements for passenger comfort. In the six-seat cabin, Daher is now offering the ability to install a Starlink Mini terminal for satellite-based internet connectivity, along with 100-watt USB-C ports for charging mobile devices. Passenger displays for the TBM 980 have also been upgraded to show en route flight data.

According to Daher, the G3000 Prime avionics suite improves cockpit ergonomics for pilots with a highly intuitive and refined interface. Earlier members of the TBM 900 family have G1000 avionics, while the TBM 960 was the first iteration to get the G3000 system.

Daher said it will continue to offer the TBM 960 for operators who prefer this version, which carries a lower price tag of $5.62 million.

Textron Aviation has brought another updated Cessna Citation model to market, this time the M2 Gen2 with Garmin autothrottles. Delivery of the upgraded light jet follows the entry into service of the Citation Ascend and CJ3 Gen2 in recent weeks. The M2 Gen2 originally received certification in early 2022, and the addition of the autothrottle system was approved in October, offering greater control and precision to pilots.

Garmin’s system assists pilots throughout the flight, protecting against over- and under-speed conditions and enabling smoother transitions. This helps reduce workload and enables pilots to focus on operation-critical activities.

“We continue to invest in our products to provide customers with the best aviation experience in the world," said Textron Aviation senior v-p of sales and marketing Lannie O’Bannion. “The M2 Gen2 leads its segment as the most delivered light-entry jet, setting the standard for performance and innovation. With Garmin autothrottles now available, pilots gain a more intuitive and efficient flying experience, elevating every journey.”

Along with autothrottles, the M2 Gen2 features premium interior styling that includes ambient accent lighting, illuminated cupholders, and an optional folding side-facing seat that can convert into storage. In addition, the cabin incorporates wireless charging, USB-A ports at each cabin seat, and USB-C ports within the two universal 115V combo outlets. The Gen2 package also added three inches of legroom to the copilot position.

Following its entry as a ground-handling services provider at Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (MRLB), announced last week, Signature Aviation is expanding its strategic partnership with aircraft handler Aerologística to include the country’s San José Juan Santamaría International (MROC) and San José Tobias Bolaños International (MRPV, also known as Pavas) airports.

Founded more than two decades ago in Costa Rican capital San José, Aerologística has experience in airline and general aviation flight support, ground handling, and operational logistics throughout Central America. “Signature’s leading guest experience programs and extensive network of operator relationships are now enabling our organization to evolve from a high-end provider of services throughout Costa Rica to a strategic partner with a global platform,” said Aerologística CEO Juan Portela.

Starting today, Signature’s locally based staffers, in coordination with Aerologística, will begin offering services at the two new locations. They will handle all sectors of aviation, from business jets to cargo to transport.

“Expanding our presence in Costa Rica is a natural extension of Signature’s mission to elevate every moment of the guest journey,” explained Derek DeCross, the FBO chain’s CCO. “By adding San José and Pavas to our global network and partnering with Aerologística, we’re combining [our] world-class service standards with trusted local expertise to ensure a seamless, safe, and exceptional experience for every guest.”

Aviation industry leader Kenn Ricci will be the featured keynote speaker at the opening session of this year’s NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, which will take place in Cleveland from March 24 to 26.

Best known as the chairman of global fractional fleet operator Flexjet, Ricci launched his first aviation business 45 years ago, and today he owns and manages more than 12 companies covering virtually the entire industry, including aircraft charter, management, maintenance, engineering, brokerage, and sustainability.

Ricci’s passion for aviation started as a pilot, and he has amassed more than 6,000 flight hours, including serving as then-Gov. Bill Clinton’s pilot during the 1992 presidential campaign. He also sits on the board of trustees for the University of Notre Dame (his alma mater), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Among his honors was being inducted as a Living Legend of Aviation, as well as receiving that group’s Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award, which has since been named after him. Ricci is also a recipient of Harvard Business School’s Dively Entrepreneurship Award and NATA’s highest honor, the William “Bill” Ong Memorial Award.

“Kenn Ricci has spent his entire career shaping the future of business aviation, creating innovative pathways that bring people, technology, and opportunity together,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “He is a true leader and visionary.”

Charter flight and data platform Avi-Go is expanding the information it offers to business aviation subscribers. Next month, the Singapore-based start-up aims to go live with a new version of its AI-backed AviBot to allow users to pose questions to its database covering aircraft movements, airports, service providers, and trip planning.

According to Avi-Go, it aims to support a broader array of clients than established charter marketplaces such as Avinode, while also offering an alternative to business aviation data sources such as JetNet. In addition to aircraft operators and brokers, subscribers include maintenance, repair, and overhaul groups, as well as FBOs and aircraft sales organizations.

Aircraft tracking is based on ADS-B data and the established Flightradar24 app, with Avi-Go filtering tail numbers to isolate Part 135 and Part 91 operations from airline movements. Users can search for charter options on routes with price estimates based on historical quotes and aircraft positioning. A Trip Board feature allows users to post empty leg flight availability and quote requests, and the Aviation Lookup channel can be used to search for data on specific aircraft, airports, and operators.

Avi-Go’s developers are now working on additional features, including range comparisons and route calculators. According to Sean Ng, the company’s commercial head, AviBot will serve as “a ChatGPT for business aviation.”

Independent aviation and marine finance brokerage firm JetLoan Capital arranged approximately $250 million in aircraft and yacht financing last year, completing loan funding for 60 transactions across asset classes.

JetLoan Capital president Sam Harris said borrower interest remained strong across the light, midsize, and large-cabin business jet segments, “supported by the reinstatement of bonus depreciation, relatively stable aircraft values, and declining interest rates. These factors are giving buyers confidence to move forward with both new acquisitions and refinancing opportunities.”

The transactions included business jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, helicopters, yachts, recreational vessels, and aircraft hangars. The company said activity spanned both newer and older aircraft models, reflecting continued depth in buyer demand.

In August, Harris said JetLoan Capital had already begun to see a market rebound following a brief slowdown earlier in the year, reporting that business was up 25% year over year. At that time, the company cited easing tariff uncertainty, challenges with airline reliability, and optimism around interest rates as factors supporting renewed momentum, with expectations for sustained transaction activity.

The FAA has released its draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline, providing an overview of a four-phase process for national rollout of a replacement for leaded avgas. Notice of the plan was included in Monday’s Federal Register, with comments due on March 13.

As required by the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, the plan addresses steps to ensure the safe elimination of leaded fuel, approval for alternatives, implementation of requirements, and the ultimate transition by 2030, except in Alaska (which would follow in 2032). The agency notes that since the rollout is widely dependent on the market, the plan may evolve.

Under the first phase to be completed by mid-2027, the agency, in concert with industry, would approve the unleaded replacement fuels and assess how they compare. Three candidates are currently under evaluation. After evaluating and comparing the fuels, the second phase would then focus on gaining market experience with the fuels. This will provide lessons learned on the market and integration, the FAA said. In phase three, all airports outside Alaska would eliminate leaded fuel, switching to unleaded options, and then the final phase would roll out unleaded fuels in Alaska. 

NATA welcomed the framework and advised its members to review and comment on the plan to ensure they can help shape the transition.

AIN Media Group's AircraftPost is a subscription-based platform that empowers the business aviation industry, supporting OEMs, brokers, owners, operators, appraisers, and finance companies. With access to real-time data, clients can make strategic decisions and receive insight into aircraft values. If you would like to schedule a demo, please contact Jo-Anne Arruda today.