AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw119kx vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor

The Airbus Helicopters H125 and Leonardo AW119Kx are single‑engine light helicopters best suited to short, cost‑efficient missions; both typically carry a pilot plus about five to six passengers, with practical ranges generally in the roughly 300–400 nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Leonardo AW169 is a larger, twin‑engine light‑intermediate helicopter aimed at higher payload, IFR capability, and passenger comfort; it commonly seats around eight to ten passengers, and its typical range is broadly similar to or modestly better than the light singles (often around the mid‑300 nautical mile class), again varying with fuel, cabin fit, and mission profile. The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor rather than a conventional helicopter: it trades hover capability for much higher cruise speed and longer legs, typically carrying about six to nine passengers with ranges commonly in the ~500–700 nautical mile class. In short, H125/AW119Kx prioritize simplicity and operating cost, AW169 adds twin‑engine performance and cabin capacity, and AW609 emphasizes point‑to‑point speed and reach while retaining vertical takeoff and landing.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119KxAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit222—
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 6.76$ 11.84—
Min Crew111—
Total Seats6812—
Flight RulesVFRVFRIFR—
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125AW119KxAW169AW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)341515440—
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.84$ 0.99—
Max Cabin Seats5610—
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)2189———
Standard Cabin Seats4610—
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 885$ 1,658—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HGarmin G1000HEFIS—
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136131140—
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $3,850,000 $9,450,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit222—
Min Crew111—
Total Seats6812—
Max Cabin Seats5610—
Standard Cabin Seats4610—
Engine
FADECYesYesYes—
ModelArriel 2DPT6B-37APW210A—
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)500045004000—
Horsepower8479171000—
No. of Engines112—
Fuel Capacity (gal)143160——
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.542.548.1—
Overall Height (ft)1011.914.8—
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.135.5——
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)——222.5—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)——49.5—