AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Sh09 vs Md Helicopters Md 500e

All five are single‑engine light helicopters, but they span different missions and cabin sizes. The Airbus Helicopters H125 is the most “utility and high/hot” oriented, typically offering one of the best practical ranges in this group and a spacious cabin that commonly seats a pilot plus up to five or six passengers depending on configuration. The Bell 407GXi is a fast, smooth‑flying light single often positioned for corporate, EMS, and public‑service work; its range is broadly comparable to the H125, with typical seating around a pilot plus five passengers. The Leonardo AW119Kx targets premium single‑engine operations with strong useful load; it’s generally at the top end for passenger capacity in the class, commonly arranged for a pilot plus six passengers, with competitive range. The Leonardo SH09 is a newer‑generation light single aimed at modern utility and training roles; it is typically in the pilot plus four to five passenger bracket with a mid‑pack range. The MD Helicopters MD 500E is the most compact and agility‑focused, usually carrying fewer passengers (often pilot plus three to four) and offering shorter range than the larger‑cabin models.

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 407GXiAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09MD Helicopters MD 500E
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 4.43$ 6.76$4.48$ 2.95
Min Crew11111
Total Seats66884
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameH125407GXiAW119KxSH09MD 500E
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-DevelopmentFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341337515430258
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.74$ 0.84$0.56$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats55663
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)218923001483
Standard Cabin Seats45662
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 589$ 885$627$ 398
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000H NXIGarmin G1000HEFISGyro / Analog
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136133131140135
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,225,000 $3,850,000 $3,500,000$ 2,750,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats66884
Max Cabin Seats5563
Standard Cabin Seats45662
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesNo
ModelArriel 2DM250-C47E/4PT6B-37AHTS 900250-C20B
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50003500450055003500
Horsepower8478629171020420
No. of Engines11111
Fuel Capacity (gal)143127.816064
Fuel Burn (gph)4635
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.442.530.9
Overall Height (ft)1010.211.98.7
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.13535.526.4
Width (ft)25.4
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)3.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)125
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)16