Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Airbus Helicopters H135 and the Leonardo AW109 Trekker are both modern light twin‑engine helicopters, but they sit in slightly different niches. The H135 is typically classed as a light twin used heavily for EMS, police, offshore support, and corporate missions, prioritizing cabin accessibility and operational versatility. The AW109 Trekker is also a light twin, often positioned as a faster, higher‑cruise corporate and utility platform while retaining strong performance for public service roles. In range, both are broadly comparable in typical mission configurations, with real‑world endurance depending strongly on fuel fit, payload, and reserves. The AW109 Trekker is generally marketed with a longer maximum range potential in certain fuel configurations, while the H135 is commonly optimized for short‑to‑medium sectors with frequent cycles such as air ambulance and law enforcement. For passenger capacity, both can be configured for about six to seven passengers in addition to one or two pilots, depending on interior layout and mission equipment; the H135’s cabin is often favored for medical and missionized layouts, while the AW109 Trekker is frequently selected for executive seating and speed‑focused transport.
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | — |