Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Bell 407gxi vs Leonardo Aw119kx
The Airbus Helicopters H130, Bell 407GXi, and Leonardo AW119Kx all sit in the light single‑engine utility/tour category, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The H130 is commonly positioned as a quiet, high‑comfort light single for tourism and VIP shuttle work, typically offering the most passenger‑friendly cabin in this group, with seating commonly configured for one pilot plus up to six passengers. The Bell 407GXi is a fast, versatile light single often favored for mixed utility and corporate missions; it is typically configured for one pilot plus up to six passengers, with performance and cruise efficiency being key selling points. The AW119Kx is a light single designed with strong useful load and training/utility flexibility in mind, and it is often marketed with the highest seating capacity of the three, commonly one pilot plus up to seven passengers. In range terms, all three generally fall into a similar light‑single bracket, but the AW119Kx is often cited with the longest maximum range, the 407GXi close behind, and the H130 typically somewhat shorter depending on configuration and reserves. Actual mission range varies significantly with payload, fuel, altitude, and temperature.
| Spec | AIRBUS H130 | Bell 407GXi | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW119Kx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.00 | $ 4.43 | $ 6.76 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H130 | 407GXi | AW119Kx |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 333 | 337 | 515 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.71 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2299 | 2300 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 640 | $ 589 | $ 885 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G500H | Garmin G1000H NXI | Garmin G1000H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 128 | 133 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,450,000 | $3,225,000 | $3,850,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2D | M250-C47E/4 | PT6B-37A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 4500 |
| Horsepower | 952 | 862 | 917 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 143 | 127.8 | 160 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 46 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.5 | 41.4 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 11.1 | 10.2 | 11.9 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 35.1 | 35 | 35.5 |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 3.9 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 125 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 16 | — |