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.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 464 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 156 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 |
| 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+ | PW207C | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — | — |