Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Leonardo Aw139
The Airbus Helicopters H225 and Leonardo AW139 sit in different weight classes, so their strengths diverge. The H225 is a heavy, long-range twin-engine helicopter typically chosen for offshore energy, search and rescue, and other missions that benefit from higher lift and endurance. As a result, it generally offers greater range and significantly more cabin volume than the AW139, allowing higher passenger loads and more flexibility for mixed passenger/cargo or specialized equipment. The AW139 is a medium twin-engine helicopter optimized for versatility, speed, and operating economics across roles such as EMS, law enforcement, utility, and regional offshore transport. Compared with the H225, it typically has a shorter range and a smaller cabin, translating to fewer passengers, but it often provides lower operating costs and easier access to smaller landing sites and hangars. In passenger capacity terms, the H225 commonly accommodates roughly the high teens to mid‑20s depending on configuration, while the AW139 is usually configured in the low to mid‑teens, though layouts vary by operator and mission fit.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 11.69 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | AW139 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 573 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.69 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 15 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 4701 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 1,929 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 165 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $15,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 17 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 15 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 15 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PT6C-67C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 1679 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 414 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 54.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 16.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | 54.7 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 282 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 120 |