Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are twin‑engine, medium‑lift helicopters designed for offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility missions, while the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine fixed‑wing turboprop optimized for short‑haul regional passenger and cargo operations from short or unimproved runways. In range, the Grand Caravan EX typically offers longer point‑to‑point cruise range than either helicopter in comparable passenger configurations, whereas the H225 and AW189 trade range for vertical access and hover capability; between the two helicopters, the H225 generally provides the longer range and endurance, with the AW189 close behind depending on fuel and mission equipment. For passenger capacity, the H225 is usually the largest of the three, commonly configured around the high‑teens to low‑20s seats; the AW189 is slightly smaller, often in the mid‑teens; and the Grand Caravan EX is typically configured for up to about 9 passengers in commuter seating (or fewer with cargo/utility layouts).
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 19 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | CT7-2E1 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1983 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 57.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.6 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 395 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 |