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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H125 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.61 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 12 | — |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H125 | AW139 | AW169 | AW609 Tiltrotor |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 573 | 440 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.77 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 15 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2189 | 4701 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 15 | 10 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 627 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | EFIS | EFIS | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 165 | 140 | — |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,200,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 17 | 12 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 15 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 15 | 10 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | Arriel 2D | PT6C-67C | PW210A | — |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 4000 | — |
| Horsepower | 847 | 1679 | 1000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 414 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.5 | 54.7 | 48.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 10 | 16.4 | 14.8 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 54.7 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 282 | 222.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 | 49.5 | — |