Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 is a heavy twin‑engine helicopter, typically chosen for offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions rather than point‑to‑point business travel. Its practical range is roughly in the 500–700 nautical mile class depending on payload and reserves, and it can carry a comparatively large cabin load, commonly around 16–19 passengers in typical transport layouts (higher-density seating is possible). The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet optimized for fast regional trips between paved airports. It offers about a 2,000+ nautical mile range and usually seats 8–9 passengers in a standard executive configuration, with optional belted lavatory or additional seating depending on layout. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet with “rugged” capability, designed to operate from shorter and more austere runways than most jets in its class. Range is generally around 2,000 nautical miles, and typical seating is about 6–10 passengers depending on configuration. In short, H225 prioritizes vertical access and cabin volume, XLS+ prioritizes conventional jet efficiency and speed, and PC‑24 balances jet performance with greater airfield flexibility.
| 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 |