Daher Aircraft’s NBAA-BACE 2026 presence to highlight the expanding role of its TBM and Kodiak in business aviation
Daher Aircraft will showcase its TBM and Kodiak airplane families at next week’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), highlighting their performance, efficiency and operational flexibility for business aviation.
As travelers increasingly turn to business aviation for direct, convenient transportation, the TBM and Kodiak offer solutions suited to a full scope of missions and requirements. Their operating efficiency and access to a broad range of airports open opportunities for charter operators and airplane owners to serve destinations outside of conventional airline networks.
The fast, efficient TBM family of six-seat pressurized airplanes combines high-speed cruise performance with the flexibility to serve a wide range of business travel and charter missions. Daher Aircraft’s maintenance program also helps operators manage maintenance costs, supporting the aircraft’s use in commercial charter operations as well as private business travel.
The Kodiak family of unpressurized 10-seat airplanes brings a different set of strengths to business and passenger transportation, particularly in demanding operating environments. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities enable access to remote and challenging airstrips, while the rugged airframe construction, predictable low-speed handling and comfortable cabin with excellent visibility and a window seat for every passenger support a wide range of trip profiles.
At NBAA-BACE’s “Aircraft Connection” static display on Henderson Executive Airport (booth AC-23), Daher Aircraft will exhibit its top-of-the-line TBM 980 and Kodiak 900. The company also is to spotlight customers who are applying the capabilities of TBMs and Kodiaks in business aviation – including charter operations and corporate travel – in the United States, Mexico and Europe
TBM operators demonstrate the value of efficient charter travel
In the United States, Little Hawk Logistics has built a charter business around TBM aircraft. Since beginning TBM operations in April 2014, its fleet has carried more than 7,000 passengers, flown over 1.6 million nautical miles, and accumulated 8,000+ block hours. Its aircraft have served more than 500 U.S. airports – approximately three-fifths of which have no scheduled airline service.
Little Hawk Logistics currently operates two TBM 900s and a TBM 910, using the aircraft’s combination of speed and runway flexibility to connect passengers with destinations that can be difficult to reach through conventional airline service. The company owns the aircraft and acts as an air charter broker; 45 North Flight is the direct air carrier and retains operational control of the flights.
In France, Lyon-based Calade Air operates two TBM 960s through a Groupement d’Intérêt Économique (GIE) – a group ownership structure that enables local businesspeople to share access to an aircraft through fractional ownership.
Having progressed from its original TBM 700 airplane, Calade Air’s members continue to benefit from the TBM’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness without requiring larger business aircraft. Building on this experience, Calade Air is developing a back-office system that could help extend the GIE model to other French cities, with the opportunity of positioning one or two TBMs at airports to serve cities with populations of 100,000 to 200,000.
Kodiak charter operations reach destinations beyond conventional routes
In Mexico, Cancún-based Vuelatour uses the Kodiak 100 in charter service, including business travel and sport-fishing trips. Its flights routinely accommodate up to eight passengers, along with substantial luggage and equipment. The operator also performs air-ambulance missions at ports for cruise-ship passengers.
Vuelatour’s operations demonstrate how the Kodiak provides commercial operators with the flexibility to serve destinations and operating environments that can challenge conventional transportation options.
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