Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Power Elite vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New

The Airbus Helicopters H135 and the Leonardo AW109 Grand New sit in different light-twin segments and are often chosen for different missions. The H135 is typically categorized as a light, compact twin-engine helicopter optimized for roles like HEMS, law enforcement, and utility work, where cabin accessibility and mission equipment integration matter. The AW109 Grand New is generally positioned as a light twin with a stronger emphasis on speed and executive/VIP transport, though it is also used for EMS and public service operations. In range, both offer broadly comparable capabilities depending on configuration, fuel, and reserves, but the AW109 Grand New is commonly advertised with a higher maximum range potential, particularly in long-range or auxiliary-fuel configurations, while the H135’s practical ranges are often optimized around mission equipment and operational flexibility. Passenger capacity is similar in headline terms but differs in typical layouts: the H135 is frequently configured to prioritize cabin space for medical or mission equipment with seating adjusted accordingly, whereas the AW109 Grand New commonly seats more passengers in executive arrangements, often accommodating around six to seven passengers plus one to two pilots, depending on interior and certification.