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Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker

In category, the Airbus Helicopters H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter widely used for EMS, law enforcement, and short-to-medium corporate missions, emphasizing cabin access and all-around utility. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is also a light twin but positioned more toward premium VIP/corporate transport, typically offering higher cruise performance and a more “executive” fit and finish. The Leonardo AW109 Trekker remains in the same light-twin family yet is optimized for mixed-use utility and operations from less prepared sites, trading some of the Grand New’s pure VIP bias for greater operational flexibility. On range, all three are broadly comparable in the light-twin segment, but typical mission planning often favors the AW109 Grand New for longer legs and faster point-to-point travel, with the AW109 Trekker close behind depending on configuration. The H135 generally delivers strong practical range for EMS and regional hops, though it is often configured for mission equipment that can reduce endurance. On passenger capacity, all can carry a single pilot with multiple passengers; typical layouts are around six to seven passengers for the H135 and about six to seven for AW109 variants, with exact seating depending on interior and fuel options.

SpecAIRBUS H135AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand NewAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.33$ 7.31$ 7.40
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH135AW109 Grand NewAW109 Trekker
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)342464450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.79$ 0.91$ 0.93
Max Cabin Seats766
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3124
Standard Cabin Seats766
Direct Operating Cost$ 861$ 1,140$ 1,125
Flight Deck (Base Spec)HelionixEFISGenesys Aerosystems
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)136156152
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,150,000$ 7,800,000 $6,950,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats988
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Max Cabin Seats766
Standard Cabin Seats766
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelArrius 2B2+PW207CPW207C
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)400040004000
Horsepower660735735
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)152152
Dimensions
Length (ft)33.542.542.5
Overall Height (ft)12.611.511.5
Rotor Diameter (ft)3435.535.5
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)173