Bell 429 Globalranger vs Bell 429wlg Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger sit in the light twin-engine utility/EMS class, typically configured for about six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, with the 429WLG distinguished mainly by its wheeled landing gear for better ground handling and certain mission profiles. In range, both 429 variants are broadly similar—generally in the mid-300 nautical mile class depending on payload, reserves, and equipment—positioning them for regional shuttle, public safety, and corporate missions rather than long-range transport. The Leonardo AW109 GrandNew and AW109 Trekker are also light twin-engine helicopters, but they skew more toward fast, premium passenger transport and versatile utility. Passenger capacity is commonly six to seven passengers plus one or two pilots, comparable to the Bell 429, though interior layouts vary widely by operator. Range for the AW109 family is typically similar or slightly higher than the Bell 429 in many configurations, often around the mid-300 to low-400 nautical mile class, again mission-dependent. The GrandNew emphasizes luxury and speed, while the Trekker adds rough-field practicality (notably with skid-style gear) for mixed on/off-airport operations.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | Bell 429WLG GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Grand New | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 6.05 | $ 7.31 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Bell | Leonardo | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | 429WLG GlobalRanger | AW109 Grand New | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 381 | 464 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.91 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | 2528 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 931 | $ 1,140 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Bell BasiX-Pro | EFIS | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 154 | 156 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $7,700,000 | $ 7,800,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW207D1 | PW207C | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 1100 | 735 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | 76 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 216.9 | 152 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | 26.37 | — | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 43 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | 5 | — | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | 6.58 | — | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 12.39 | 11.5 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 36 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | 130 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | 74 | — | — |