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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.

SpecAIRBUS H215AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW169
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 19.07$ 11.69$ 11.84
Min Crew221
Total Seats211712
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoLeonardo
Aircraft NameH215AW139AW169
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)468573440
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.91$ 0.69$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats221510
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)89034701
Standard Cabin Seats191510
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,708$ 1,929$ 1,658
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142165140
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$27,500,000 $15,900,000 $9,450,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew221
Total Seats211712
Max Cabin Seats221510
Standard Cabin Seats191510
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 1A1PT6C-67CPW210A
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)300050004000
Horsepower182016791000
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)540414
Dimensions
Length (ft)61.454.748.1
Overall Height (ft)16.216.414.8
Rotor Diameter (ft)51.254.7
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)473.9282222.5
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12049.5