Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a single‑engine light utility helicopter, typically chosen for missions that prioritize external load capability, hot‑and‑high performance, and lower operating complexity. It generally carries a pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on configuration. Its practical range is commonly in the mid‑500 km class, varying with fuel, payload, and reserves. The Airbus Helicopters H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter positioned more toward passenger transport, EMS, and corporate missions where redundancy, low vibration, and a refined cabin matter. Typical seating is a pilot plus five to six passengers (or more space for medical interiors). Its range is broadly similar to the H125, often around the mid‑500 to 600 km range depending on fit and mission profile. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker is a light twin that leans into fast, premium passenger transport and utility flexibility, offering a roomy cabin for a pilot plus six to seven passengers in many layouts. Its range is generally comparable or slightly higher than the others in typical passenger configurations, often around roughly 600 km, again dependent on options and payload.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 6.33 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H135 | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 342 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 861 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 136 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $6,150,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 660 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 33.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 12.6 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 34 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — |