Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
In category terms, the Airbus H130 is a light single‑engine helicopter aimed at cost‑effective utility and tourism missions with a large cabin feel. The Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW109 Trekker are both light twin‑engine helicopters, generally positioned for higher redundancy and more demanding roles such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, with the AW109 Trekker leaning toward a more performance‑oriented, “light intermediate” feel within the light twin class. For range, the H130 typically offers the shortest endurance among the three, reflecting its single‑engine, utility-focused design. The H135 generally provides a moderate range suitable for regional missions with reserves, while the AW109 Trekker is commonly quoted with the longest range capability in this group, making it more comfortable for longer point‑to‑point legs depending on configuration and payload. Passenger capacity is broadly similar but mission-dependent: the H130 is often configured for one pilot plus up to six passengers in high‑density layouts, the H135 commonly carries one or two pilots plus about five to six passengers, and the AW109 Trekker typically accommodates one or two pilots plus up to six or seven passengers depending on interior and weight limits.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 6.33 | $ 7.40 |
| 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 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 342 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| 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 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Helionix | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 136 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $6,150,000 | $6,950,000 |
| 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 | — |