Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Leonardo Aw189
The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are twin‑engine helicopters, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is a long‑range business jet. For range, the Legacy 650E is in a different class: it is designed for intercontinental missions and typically offers roughly 3,900 nautical miles, depending on payload and conditions. The H225 and AW189 are medium/medium‑heavy helicopters optimized for offshore, SAR, and utility transport; their typical ranges are on the order of about 450–500 nautical miles, varying with fuel fit, cabin load, and reserves. Passenger capacity also differs by mission. The Legacy 650E commonly seats 13–14 passengers in executive configuration (with a larger maximum certified capacity), prioritizing comfort and cabin amenities. The H225 generally carries more people in transport roles, often around 16–19 passengers in typical offshore layouts, with higher maximums in high‑density seating. The AW189 usually sits slightly below the H225 in typical offshore passenger loads, commonly around 16–18, again with configuration‑dependent maximums. Overall, choose the Legacy 650E for speed and long range, and the H225 or AW189 for vertical lift and point‑to‑point access without runways.
| 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 |