Airbus Helicopters H130 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New

The Airbus H130 is a single‑engine light helicopter typically positioned for short‑to‑medium range missions such as sightseeing, utility work, and cost‑efficient private transport, while the Agusta/Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a twin‑engine light helicopter more commonly aligned with premium executive travel and missions where redundancy and higher cruise performance are priorities. In range, the AW109 Grand New generally offers a longer practical mission radius than the H130, helped by its higher cruise speed and typical fuel options, making it better suited to longer point‑to‑point legs. The H130’s range is competitive for its class but is more often optimized for local or regional flying with lower operating complexity. For passenger capacity, the H130 is usually configured to carry more passengers in the cabin, commonly accommodating up to six passengers plus a pilot, emphasizing cabin volume and visibility. The AW109 Grand New typically carries fewer passengers in a standard executive layout, commonly around five to six plus one or two pilots, prioritizing comfort, baggage, and performance.