Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are twin‑engine helicopters, optimized for vertical lift missions such as offshore transport, SAR, and utility work, while the Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range, fixed‑wing business airliner derived from the 737 MAX, aimed at VIP transport and high‑end executive travel between major airports. In range, the BBJ MAX 9 is in a different class, typically capable of roughly 6,000+ nautical miles with auxiliary fuel provisions, enabling true intercontinental legs. The H225 and AW189 are medium/long‑range helicopters by rotorcraft standards, generally around the 450–500 nautical mile class depending on payload, fuel, and reserves, suited to regional sectors rather than ocean‑spanning travel. Passenger capacity also diverges sharply. The BBJ MAX 9 can accommodate large groups, with airline‑style layouts around ~180 seats, though VIP interiors usually trade seats for space and amenities. The H225 commonly carries on the order of ~19 passengers in typical offshore seating, while the AW189 is slightly smaller, often configured for about 16–19 passengers depending on layout and mission equipment.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.74 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 12 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Boeing | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | BBJ MAX 9 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 6376 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 1.97 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 77120 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 7,396 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Honeywell | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 470 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $107,700,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 35 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 19 |
| Configuration | — | Green Interior | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | LEAP-1B | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 28000 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 138.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 40.3 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | 395 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 117.9 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 11.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 7.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 107.2 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 10.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 100.6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 1485 | 85 |