Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
The Airbus H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter optimized for high‑and‑hot performance and external‑load work; it typically carries a pilot plus about five passengers, with practical range on the order of roughly 330–350 nm depending on fit and reserves. The Airbus H130 is also a light single, aimed more at quiet, high‑comfort passenger missions (tourism and VIP) with a larger cabin; it commonly seats a pilot plus six to seven passengers, with range generally similar to the H125, around the mid‑300 nm class depending on configuration. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is a light twin‑engine helicopter positioned for corporate, EMS, and IFR operations; it usually carries one to two pilots and up to about six to seven passengers, and its range is typically around 400–450 nm. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin designed for fast VIP/utility missions; it generally seats one to two pilots and about six to seven passengers, with range commonly in the ~450–500 nm class depending on tanks and mission reserves.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 381 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 154 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 216.9 | 152 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 76 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 12.39 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | — | 6.58 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | — |