Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Airbus H225 and Bell 525 Relentless are large, long-range helicopters suited to offshore, utility, and VIP missions. The H225 is a heavy twin with typical ranges around 450–500 nm and generally carries about 16–19 passengers in high-density seating (fewer in VIP). The Bell 525 is a modern super-medium twin, typically offering roughly 500–560 nm range and commonly seats around 16 passengers (often fewer in executive layouts). The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for speed and point-to-point travel; it typically flies about 1,800–2,100 nm and usually seats 7–9 passengers in standard executive configuration. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a high-performance twin turboprop with jet-like cruise efficiency; it commonly ranges around 1,300–1,700 nm and typically seats 6–7 passengers (up to about 9 in some layouts). Overall, the helicopters prioritize vertical access with shorter ranges, while the XLS+ and Avanti EVO prioritize longer range and faster cruise, with the jet generally offering the greatest range and speed.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Bell 525 Relentless | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | — | $ 5.34 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Bell | Cessna Citation | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | 525 Relentless | XLS+ | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 580 | 1906 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | — | $ 0.67 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6675 | 7540 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | — | $ 2,303 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G5000H | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 160 | 430 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,000,000 | $15,500,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 18 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 16 | 8 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No | — |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD | — |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 9.3 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Galley | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 25230 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Dual-Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2F1 | PW545C | PT6A–66B |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1800 | — | 850 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 641 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 28 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 4119 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 61.58 | 52.5 | 47.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 18.18 | 17.2 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.5 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — | — |
| Width (ft) | — | 25.77 | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 7.58 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4.5 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 15.5 | 18.5 | 14.9 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 128 | 80 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | — | 56.3 | 47.1 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | 0.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 14.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 10 | 35.2 |