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Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are long‑range offshore-class helicopters, while the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a lighter twin helicopter aimed at shorter missions; the Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range business airliner in a different category entirely. In range, the BBJ MAX 9 is by far the longest-legged, typically spanning roughly 6,000+ nautical miles with auxiliary tanks and VIP configuration, enabling intercontinental trips. The H225 and AW189 are broadly comparable for helicopter range, generally in the few-hundred–nautical‑mile class (often around 450–500 nm depending on fuel, payload, and reserves), suited to offshore transport and SAR-style profiles. The 902 Explorer is typically shorter-range (often around 300–350 nm), optimized for regional utility and patrol-type work. Passenger capacity follows category: a BBJ MAX 9 can seat well over 150 in airline layout but is usually outfitted for far fewer in VIP service. The H225 commonly carries around 19 passengers, the AW189 about 16–19, and the 902 Explorer typically about 8–10.

SpecAIRBUS H225Boeing BBJ MAX 9AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 15.74$ 15.57
Min Crew241
Total Seats211221
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersBoeingLeonardo
Aircraft NameH225BBJ MAX 9AW189
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4546376651
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 1.97$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats283519
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)1192977120
Standard Cabin Seats19819
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 7,396$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISHoneywellEFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142470155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$107,700,000$2,413,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew241
Total Seats211021
Max Cabin Seats283519
Standard Cabin Seats19819
ConfigurationGreen Interior
Cabin Pressure (psi)9
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24000
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1LEAP-1BCT7-2E1
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)3500On-Condition4000
Horsepower21001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 15
Thrust (lbs)28000
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.4138.457.8
Overall Height (ft)16.340.316.6
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547395
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)148585