Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
Airbus Helicopters’ H130 is the largest-cabin, single‑engine option of the three, typically chosen for short-to-medium missions where lower operating cost and a roomy passenger area matter most. Its practical range generally sits in the mid‑500 km class (configuration dependent), and it commonly carries a pilot plus about six to seven passengers, with strong suitability for sightseeing, corporate hops, and light utility work. The Airbus H135 is a twin‑engine light helicopter aimed at higher redundancy and mission flexibility, often used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport. Range is typically similar or slightly higher than the H130 in many fit-outs (often around the 600 km class), while passenger capacity is usually pilot plus five to six in executive layouts, with cabin arrangements varying widely by mission equipment. Leonardo’s AW109 GrandNew is a light twin positioned as a fast, premium corporate helicopter. It generally offers the longest range of the three (often around the 700–800 km class) and typically carries a pilot plus six to seven passengers, emphasizing speed, refinement, and point‑to‑point executive travel.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | H135 | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 861 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 7 | 6 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 660 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | — | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 33.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 12.6 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 34 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 173 | — |