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.
| 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 |