Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H125 and H130 are both light single‑engine helicopters, while the Leonardo AW139 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter in a higher capability class. In range, the H125 and H130 are broadly comparable and typically suited to regional missions rather than long‑haul transport; depending on configuration, fuel reserves, and payload, they generally offer similar order‑of‑magnitude endurance for point‑to‑point utility, tourism, and light corporate flying. The AW139 usually provides greater range potential than either Airbus single, especially when equipped with auxiliary tanks, and it is more commonly selected for offshore, SAR, and longer overwater or all‑weather missions where twin engines are preferred. Passenger capacity differs more clearly. The H125 is often configured for around five to six passengers plus a pilot, prioritizing versatility and external‑load performance. The H130 is optimized for cabin volume and passenger comfort in the light single segment, commonly seating up to about six to seven passengers plus a pilot in typical layouts. The AW139 has a much larger cabin and typically carries roughly 12 to 15 passengers (plus crew), making it better suited to high‑capacity transport and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H130 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 5.00 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H130 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 333 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 2299 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 640 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G500H | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 128 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $3,450,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 7 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 4 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arriel 2D | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 952 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 143 | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 41.5 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 11.1 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 35.1 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 120 |