Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Bell 525 Relentless vs Leonardo Aw189

Airbus Helicopters’ H225 is a heavy twin-engine helicopter typically positioned a step above the others in overall size and lift class. In category terms it’s the most “heavy” option here, widely used for offshore energy and SAR, and it generally offers the longest practical mission flexibility thanks to strong payload/range performance and fuel capacity. Passenger capacity is usually highest on the H225, commonly configured around 19 seats in offshore transport layouts, with room for mission equipment in other roles. Bell’s 525 Relentless is a modern “super-medium” twin aimed at long-range offshore and corporate/VIP missions, sitting between traditional mediums and heavies. Its range is designed to be competitive with offshore requirements and comparable to the AW189, while offering a high-speed, high-tech cockpit and a cabin sized for typical offshore seating in the mid-to-high teens. Leonardo’s AW189 is also a super-medium twin and is often considered the most directly comparable to the 525. It generally carries fewer passengers than the H225 but similar numbers to the 525 (often around 16–18 depending on layout), with strong offshore range and versatile mission configurations.