AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor

The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine utility helicopter best suited to short to medium missions; it typically carries about five to six passengers (depending on interior and payload tradeoffs) and offers a moderate range for point‑to‑point, aerial work, and access to confined or high‑altitude sites. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern light‑intermediate twin, positioned above the H125 in category and comfort; it generally seats around six to eight passengers and provides greater IFR capability and a longer practical range than most light singles. The Leonardo AW139 is a larger, medium twin designed for offshore transport, EMS, and corporate shuttle; it commonly carries roughly 10 to 15 passengers and delivers substantially more range and cruise capability than the H125 or AW169. The Leonardo AW609 tiltrotor sits in a distinct category: it combines helicopter‑like vertical takeoff and landing with airplane‑like cruise, typically accommodating about six to nine passengers and offering the longest range and highest cruise speed of the group, making it the most suited to longer intercity or offshore legs where time savings matter most.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit222—
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 11.69$ 11.84—
Min Crew121—
Total Seats61712—
Flight RulesVFRIFRIFR—
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125AW139AW169AW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)341573440—
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.69$ 0.99—
Max Cabin Seats51510—
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)21894701——
Standard Cabin Seats41510—
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,929$ 1,658—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFISEFIS—
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136165140—
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $15,900,000 $9,450,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit222—
Min Crew121—
Total Seats61712—
Max Cabin Seats51510—
Standard Cabin Seats41510—
Engine
FADECYesYesYes—
ModelArriel 2DPT6C-67CPW210A—
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)500050004000—
Horsepower84716791000—
No. of Engines122—
Fuel Capacity (gal)143414——
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.554.748.1—
Overall Height (ft)1016.414.8—
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.154.7——
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)—282222.5—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—12049.5—