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Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Leonardo Aw189

The Airbus H225, Bell 525 Relentless, and Leonardo AW189 are medium-to-super-medium helicopters optimized for vertical access, offshore missions, and point-to-point travel without runways, while the Dassault Falcon 8X is a long-range business jet requiring airports but delivering far greater speed and intercity capability. In range terms, the Falcon 8X is in a different class, typically flying roughly 6,000+ nautical miles, enabling nonstop transoceanic routes; the helicopters are generally in the few-hundred–nautical-mile bracket, with mission range varying heavily by payload, reserves, and configuration. Passenger capacity also separates them: the Falcon 8X typically seats about 12–16 in executive layouts, whereas these helicopters can be configured for around 16–19 passengers in high-density seating, though VIP layouts reduce that. Between the helicopters, the H225 is the heavier-lift option and is often chosen for higher payload offshore work; the AW189 sits in the super-medium segment balancing cabin volume and operating economics; and the Bell 525 targets similar missions with modern avionics and a large cabin, positioning itself between traditional medium and heavier offshore platforms.

SpecAIRBUS H225Bell 525 RelentlessDassault Falcon 8XAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 7.66$ 15.57
Min Crew2221
Total Seats21181721
Flight RulesIFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBellDassault FalconLeonardo
Aircraft NameH225525 Relentless8XAW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4545806450651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.64$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats28161619
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)11929667536900
Standard Cabin Seats19161419
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 3,805$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISGarmin G5000HHoneywell Primus EASy IIEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142160516155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$15,000,000$ 62,500,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit2232
Min Crew2221
Total Seats21181721
Max Cabin Seats28161619
Standard Cabin Seats19161419
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)10.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)29200
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900
Engine
FADECYesDual-ChannelYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1CT7-2F1PW307DCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35004000On-Condition4000
Horsepower210018001983
No. of Engines2232
Fuel Capacity (gal)684641
Flat RatingISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)6722
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.461.5880.257.8
Overall Height (ft)16.318.1826.116.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.254.548
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)5471695395
Width (ft)25.77
Cabin Width (ft)7.587.7
Cabin Height (ft)4.56.2
Cabin Length (ft)15.542.7
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)12885
Wingspan (ft)86.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)6.3
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)29.2
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)140