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A new TBM 960 order was signed this week during the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show, marking a repeat purchase by two German entrepreneurs for Daher’s top-of-the-line member of the TBM very efficient turboprop-powered aircraft family.
On hand for the signature were the two customers, Hubert Kristen and Peter Dirkorte, who were joined by executives from Daher’s Aircraft Division and Rheinland Air Service – the authorized distributor for TBM and Kodiak aircraft in Austria and Germany.
Kristen and Dirkorte are business partners from Northern Germany, and they have co-owned a TBM 960 since 2023 for use in business travels between the branch locations of their companies. Their newly ordered TBM 960 will be delivered next year.
“We thank Hubert Kirsten and Peter Dirkorte for their confidence in the TBM 960,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher’s Aircraft Division. “Their new order highlights the TBM 960’s benefits as a highly efficient travel solution within Europe for its low fuel consumption and flexibility. This is a response to the current environmental challenges that general aviation faces today on the continent.”
At the signing ceremony, Dirkorte stated: “We chose the TBM 960 for its payload-range combination, which is perfectly adapted for our needs in flying staff members and customers within the ranges required for the planned expansion of our business in Europe.”
Both owners underscored the unique cost/performance ratio of the single-engine turboprop-powered TBM when compared to a jet. They praised the TBM 960’s shorter takeoff and landing characteristics, which enable the aircraft to access a greater number of airports.
Kirsten added that the TBM 960’s flight safety-enhancing automation features played a key role in their aircraft acquisition decision. “This includes the HomeSafe autoland system. Because we typically fly as single pilots, the integration of autoland in the TBM 960 brings an added element of operational safety as well as peace of mind for passengers.”
This press release was prepared and distributed by Daher.
