Airbus Helicopters H215 vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Leonardo Aw169
The Airbus Helicopters H215 sits in the heavy, twin‑engine category, optimized for high payload and utility missions. It typically offers the longest practical range of the three (depending on tanks and cabin fit) and the highest passenger capacity, commonly configured around the high‑teens to low‑twenties for transport, making it well suited to offshore, SAR, and large‑team lift. The Leonardo AW139 is a medium, twin‑engine helicopter and is often viewed as the benchmark in its class for mixed roles. Its range is generally strong but usually below an H215 in comparable long‑range configurations. Passenger capacity is typically in the low‑ to mid‑teens, balancing cabin volume with speed and mission flexibility for EMS, offshore, and corporate transport. The Leonardo AW169 is a light‑intermediate, twin‑engine helicopter. It generally has the shortest range of the three (though still substantial for its class) and the smallest passenger capacity, often around eight to ten in typical passenger layouts, prioritizing efficiency, agility, and lower operating costs.
| Spec | AIRBUS H215 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 19.07 | $ 11.69 | $ 11.84 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 12 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H215 | AW139 | AW169 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 468 | 573 | 440 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.91 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.99 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 8903 | 4701 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,708 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,658 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 165 | 140 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $27,500,000 | $15,900,000 | $9,450,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 | 12 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 | 10 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 1A1 | PT6C-67C | PW210A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3000 | 5000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1820 | 1679 | 1000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 540 | 414 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 61.4 | 54.7 | 48.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.2 | 16.4 | 14.8 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 51.2 | 54.7 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 473.9 | 282 | 222.5 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 | 49.5 |