Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Airbus Helicopters H175 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is best viewed as a light single‑engine utility helicopter, typically chosen for cost‑effective short to medium missions such as aerial work, EMS support roles, and passenger shuttle in less demanding environments. Its range is generally the shortest of the three, and passenger capacity is the smallest, commonly around five to six passengers depending on interior and fuel fit. The Airbus Helicopters H175 and Leonardo AW139 are both medium twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore transport, corporate/VIP, SAR, and multi‑role operations. Compared with the H125, each offers substantially greater range and payload, plus higher redundancy and all‑weather capability. In passenger terms, both are commonly configured around 12–15 seats, with layout choices driven by mission and comfort level. Between the two medium twins, the AW139 is often positioned as a versatile, widely adopted workhorse with strong cruise performance and flexible cabin options, while the H175 is frequently selected for a modern, spacious cabin and efficient medium‑range offshore capability. Actual range and seating vary with tanks, reserves, and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AIRBUS H175 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 13.53 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 18 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | H175 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 573 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 18 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 6797 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 16 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 2,016 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 149 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $17,900,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 18 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 18 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 16 | 15 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6A-67E | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1775 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 414 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 59.2 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 17.5 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 48.5 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 423.8 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 81.9 | 120 |