AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H125 vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw609 Tiltrotor

The Airbus Helicopters H125 is a light single‑engine helicopter best suited to short‑ to medium‑range utility missions where simplicity, low operating cost, and good hot‑and‑high performance matter more than speed and cabin volume. Typical passenger capacity is about five to six people (plus pilot), and real‑world range is generally in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on fuel fit and payload. The Leonardo AW169 is a light‑intermediate twin‑engine helicopter positioned for passenger transport, EMS, and corporate shuttle work. It offers a larger cabin and higher useful load than the H125, commonly seating around seven to ten passengers in a transport layout, with range also in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile band, often competitive with or better than many light singles while adding twin‑engine redundancy. The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor, bridging helicopter and turboprop capabilities. It targets longer‑range, higher‑speed point‑to‑point travel, typically carrying about six to nine passengers, with range generally extending beyond conventional light helicopters and cruise speeds substantially higher, while retaining vertical takeoff and landing.

SpecAIRBUS H125AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW609 Tiltrotor
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 4.61$ 11.84
Min Crew11
Total Seats612
Flight RulesVFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH125AW169AW609 Tiltrotor
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)341440
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.77$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats510
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)2189
Standard Cabin Seats410
Direct Operating Cost$ 627$ 1,658
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500HEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,200,000 $9,450,000 $20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats612
Max Cabin Seats510
Standard Cabin Seats410
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelArriel 2DPW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)50004000
Horsepower8471000
No. of Engines12
Fuel Capacity (gal)143
Dimensions
Length (ft)42.548.1
Overall Height (ft)1014.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)36.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)49.5