Replaces TBM 700C1 In Automotive Supplier's Fleet

EADS Socata announced this week the delivery of the first German-registered TBM 850 VFT (for, "Very Fast Turboprop") to Brose Flugservice, the corporate flight department of the Brose group. The aircraft replaces a TBM 700C1, and will join Brose Flugservice’s fleet of three business aircraft based in Coburg (Bavaria, Germany) that also includes a TBM 700A.

"Performance was the main reason why we selected the TBM 850 VFT," said Brose Flugservice Managing Director Christian Vohl. "As we operate from a 3,000 ft (860 m) runway, the TBM gives us more flexibility with less weather or weight limitations than our twin turboprop or our twin jet, and it also allows access to more airfields. This results in shorter transfer times on the road for our passengers."

"We are proud to see our TBM 850 VFT selected by such a high-profile automotive company for its corporate transportation needs. This first delivery in Germany demonstrates that our aircraft is particularly suited for this mission," said Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s VP Sales and Marketing.

Brose is a major manufacturer of door and seat components and systems to the international automotive industry, supplying products for more than 40 vehicle brands and leading seat producers. The company claims every fourth vehicle produced in the world is equipped with a Brose product.

EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets.

FMI: www.socata.eads.net, www.brose.net/ww/en/pub/home.htm