Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw139

Airbus Helicopters’ H135 is a light twin helicopter typically used for EMS, training, and short-to-medium utility missions. In category terms it sits below the other two, offering the shortest range of the group and a smaller cabin. Depending on configuration, it commonly carries a pilot plus around five to six passengers, or fewer when equipped for medical or special-mission roles. The Bell 429 GlobalRanger is also a light twin, generally a step up from the H135 in cabin volume and typical mission radius. It tends to offer a somewhat longer range than the H135 and is often configured for a pilot plus about six to seven passengers, with flexibility for corporate, public safety, and EMS layouts. Leonardo’s AW139 is a medium twin helicopter, substantially larger and more capable than both the H135 and Bell 429. It typically provides the longest range of the three and the highest passenger capacity, commonly seating two pilots plus up to 12–15 passengers depending on interior and mission equipment, making it well suited to offshore transport, SAR, and higher-demand utility operations.