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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw169 vs Leonardo Aw189

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 and Leonardo AW109 GrandNew are light twin-engine helicopters commonly used for EMS, police, and short-hop corporate missions. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin, but typically sits toward the upper end of the light class with a roomier cabin. The Leonardo AW169 is a modern intermediate twin designed to bridge light and medium roles, while the Leonardo AW189 is a super-medium twin aimed at longer-range offshore, SAR, and high-utilization transport. For range, the H135 and AW109 GrandNew generally cover short-to-moderate missions, while the Bell 429WLG is broadly comparable and often slightly more oriented to longer legs within the light-twin segment depending on fuel fit. The AW169 usually offers a noticeable step up in range and endurance versus the light twins. The AW189 is the clear leader here, optimized for extended overwater and longer-distance operations. For passenger capacity, the H135 typically carries around 5–7 passengers, the AW109 GrandNew about 6–7, and the Bell 429WLG about 6–7 with strong cabin volume. The AW169 commonly seats around 8–10, and the AW189 around 16–19 in high-density layouts.

SpecAIRBUS H135Bell 429WLG GlobalRangerAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit22222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 6.05$ 7.31$ 11.84$ 15.57
Min Crew11111
Total Seats9881221
Flight RulesIFRIFRVFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellLeonardoLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135429WLG GlobalRangerAW109 Grand NewAW169AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342381464440651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.76$ 0.91$ 0.99$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats7661019
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)31242528
Standard Cabin Seats7661019
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 931$ 1,140$ 1,658$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixBell BasiX-ProEFISEFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136154156140155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$7,700,000$ 7,800,000 $9,450,000 $2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit22222
Min Crew11111
Total Seats9881221
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats7661019
Standard Cabin Seats7661019
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207D1PW207CPW210ACT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40004000400040004000
Horsepower660110073510001983
No. of Engines22222
Fuel Burn (gph)76
Fuel Capacity (gal)216.9152
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.54342.548.157.8
Overall Height (ft)12.612.3911.514.816.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)343635.548
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173130222.5395
Width (ft)26.37
Cabin Width (ft)5
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)6.58
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)7449.585