Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
The Airbus H135 is the lightest, most compact option and is often chosen for short-to-medium missions such as EMS, training, and urban operations. Its typical range is roughly in the 330–380 nautical mile class depending on configuration, and it commonly carries a pilot plus about five to six passengers (or a comparable cabin load for medical interiors). The Airbus H145 steps up a weight class with a larger cabin and higher useful load, making it better suited to roles that need more people, equipment, or space. Its range is generally similar to or slightly better than the H135, often around the mid-300s to low-400s nautical miles, and typical passenger capacity is about seven to eight plus pilot(s), with strong flexibility for EMS and utility layouts. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a fast light twin aimed at VIP/corporate and high-speed transport. Range is commonly in the high-300s to around 450 nautical miles depending on tanks and payload, and passenger capacity is typically six to seven plus pilot(s), with an emphasis on cruise speed and finish quality.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — |