Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New
In category, the Airbus Helicopters H145 sits in the light twin/medium-light class and is often positioned as the most “utility-forward” option of the three, with strong cabin volume and mission flexibility. The Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger is also a light twin, generally comparable in role but typically viewed as slightly smaller in overall payload/cabin volume than the H145 while emphasizing smooth handling and speed for corporate and EMS-type missions. The Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin oriented more toward fast executive transport, with a sleeker cabin and performance profile that often prioritizes cruise speed and refinement over maximum cabin space. On range, all three are broadly in the same practical bracket for typical missions, with the AW109 Grand New often marketed with strong cruise and trip capability, the Bell 429WLG offering competitive legs depending on configuration, and the H145 providing solid range that can vary notably with equipment and fuel options. For passenger capacity, the H145 commonly supports the highest usable seating flexibility (often up to around nine passengers in high-density layouts), while the Bell 429WLG and AW109 Grand New are more commonly configured around six to eight passengers, depending on interior and mission kit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H145 | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 9.31 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H145 | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 352 | 381 | 464 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.93 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 4200 | 2528 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,210 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 130 | 154 | 156 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $10,200,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Arriel 2E | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 894 | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 44.8 | 43 | 42.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13 | 12.39 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36.1 | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 166 | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46.8 | 74 | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 26.37 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 6.58 | — |