Daher (Static Display X114) is hoping for a fast, positive conclusion to the industry’s prolonged effort to have single-engine IFR commercial flights approved at the European level. The company has also announced a new aerostructure contract with Gulfstream for the G500/600.

For single-engine commercial service, Daher wants to leverage the experience gathered by France-based Voldirect. Since 2013, the operator has been allowed by the French DGAC to operate one TBM 850 for passenger transport, without any operational issue, Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher’s airplane business unit, said at EBACE yesterday. Voldirect has logged 600 hours with the aircraft and is considering buying another TBM.

“We are expanding the realm of general aviation to levels that are affordable to smaller companies, we do not compete with bigger guys,” Chabbert said. For example, there is no way a twin could be operated economically to Ouessant, a small island off Brittany’s coast, he asserted.

The first working group on single-engine commercial operations dates back to 1993. EASA executive director Patrick Ky is supportive, but the devil is in the details since all member states have to agree, Chabbert said. After EASA publishes an opinion on the NPA018 EU-OPS, it will be submitted to the European Commission within six to nine months. Chabbert thus expects a revised EU-OPS regulation in 2016.

For the Gulfstream G500/600, Chabbert said Daher just inked a contract to supply the wing-to-body fairing. The composite structure contributes to the aerodynamics of the new large-cabin jets. On the same program, Daher was already supplying the main landing gear doors.

Speaking about Daher’s presence in North America, Chabbert confirmed the firm needs a factory in the U.S. for composite and metal work. Daher already has a composite factory in Nogales, Mexico. In Pompano Beach, Florida, where Daher recently inaugurated its new North American headquarters and service facility, the “help wanted” sign is on.

The current fleet of 68 TBM 900s has logged a combined 10,000 flight hours. Since the program was revealed last year, Daher has received orders for 98 of the single-engine turboprops.

Daher announced here at the show yesterday that it had delivered a TBM 900 to its first Spanish customer on Sunday.