Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter rather than a fixed‑wing jet, optimized for offshore and utility missions. Its practical range is roughly 400–600 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and it typically carries about 16–19 passengers (with layouts that can vary by mission equipment). The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet aimed at short‑to‑medium trips, with a range around 2,100 nautical miles and a typical seating of about 7–9 passengers (maximum configurations can be higher). The Embraer Legacy 650E is a large‑cabin long‑range business jet, offering substantially more reach—about 3,900 nautical miles—and usually seats 13 passengers in a premium cabin, with higher maximum occupancy possible. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a “super versatile jet” (light/midsize crossover) designed for shorter runways and rougher fields. Its range is about 2,000 nautical miles, with typical executive seating around 6–8 passengers, and a higher-density layout up to about 10.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | XLS+ | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1906 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 7540 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 430 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 9 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 8 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 25230 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PW545C | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 4119 | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.5 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.2 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 56.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.7 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 18.5 | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 14.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 90 |