Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and the Leonardo AW109 Grand New are typically positioned as light twin‑engine helicopters, while the Bell 429 GlobalRanger is commonly viewed as a larger, slightly heavier light twin that emphasizes cabin volume and utility. For range, all three can cover broadly similar mission profiles such as regional business or EMS legs, but the Bell 429 and AW109 Grand New are often selected when operators want comparatively stronger cross‑country capability, while the H135 is frequently optimized around high‑cycle missions with efficient short‑to‑medium sectors. Passenger capacity differs most in cabin use: the H135 is usually configured around a smaller executive cabin (often about five to six passengers plus crew), the AW109 Grand New generally accommodates a similar number in VIP layouts (typically up to six to seven passengers depending on fit), and the Bell 429 commonly supports the highest practical passenger load in typical configurations (often six to seven plus crew) thanks to its wider cabin and rear loading flexibility. Actual range and seats vary with fuel, avionics, and interior choices.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 6.29 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 365 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 148 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $7,500,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 130 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 74 | — |