AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Sh09

The Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350) and Bell 407GXi are both widely used single‑engine light helicopters, while the Leonardo SH09 (often referred to as the AW09) is a newer light single aimed at similar utility and passenger roles with a more modern cabin concept. In category terms, all three sit in the light single‑engine segment, but the H125 is typically favored for high‑altitude and hot‑and‑high utility work, the 407GXi is commonly positioned as a fast, smooth-performing light single for corporate and utility missions, and the SH09 targets a modernized light single niche with an emphasis on passenger comfort and mission flexibility. For range, the H125 and 407GXi are generally comparable in typical configurations, with the 407GXi often cited around the mid‑300 nautical mile class and the H125 in a similar broad bracket depending on tanks, payload, and conditions. The SH09 is generally marketed in the same general range class, varying by final specification and options. For passenger capacity, the H125 and 407GXi commonly carry a pilot plus up to six passengers in typical high-density seating, while the SH09 is generally presented as accommodating up to seven to eight occupants depending on layout (pilot(s) plus passengers).

SpecAIRBUS H125Bell 407GXiAGUSTA / LEONARDO SH09
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 4.43$4.48
Min Crew111
Total Seats668
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125407GXiSH09
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAIn-Development
Max Range (nm)341337430
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.74$0.56
Max Cabin Seats556
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)21892300
Standard Cabin Seats456
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 589$627
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000H NXIEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136133140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000$3,225,000$3,500,000
Max Passengers7
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats668
Max Cabin Seats55
Standard Cabin Seats456
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArriel 2DM250-C47E/4HTS 900
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)500035005500
Horsepower8478621020
No. of Engines111
Fuel Capacity (gal)143127.8
Fuel Burn (gph)46
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.541.4
Overall Height (ft)1010.2
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135
Width (ft)25.4
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)3.9
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)125
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)16