AIR.ONE

Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Airbus H225 and Leonardo AW189 are both large twin‑engine helicopters aimed at offshore, search‑and‑rescue, and utility transport; they trade speed for vertical access and hover capability. In range, the H225 is generally longer‑legged, commonly cited around the 800–900 km class depending on configuration, while the AW189 is typically around the 700–800 km class. Passenger capacity is broadly similar in high‑density layouts, often up to about 19 seats for each, with mission equipment reducing usable seats. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a smaller twin helicopter optimized for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttle work. Its range is notably shorter, roughly in the 500–600 km class, and typical passenger capacity is lower, commonly around 6–8, though it can be configured higher for utility roles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet rather than a helicopter, so it requires runways but offers much higher cruise speed and much longer range, roughly about 3,000–3,700 km, with typical seating around 6–10 passengers depending on interior and payload.

SpecAIRBUS H225AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew211
Total Seats21216
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameH225AW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4546512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats281910
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)119296680
Standard Cabin Seats19196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISEFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$2,413,000$11,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew211
Total Seats21216
Max Cabin Seats281910
Standard Cabin Seats19196
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1CT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350040005000
Horsepower21001983
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.457.852.2
Overall Height (ft)16.316.617.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.248
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Wingspan (ft)55.8
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.1
Cabin Length (ft)23
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)90