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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