Bell 429 Globalranger vs Leonardo Aw109 Trekker
The Bell 429 GlobalRanger and the Leonardo AW109 Trekker sit in the light twin‑engine helicopter class, but they emphasize slightly different strengths. The Bell 429 is commonly positioned as a spacious, utility‑leaning light twin with a wide cabin and strong suitability for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, while still being used in VIP roles. The AW109 Trekker is also a light twin, typically marketed with a fast, sleek profile and strong appeal for corporate and VIP missions, with utility capability depending on configuration. On range, both offer broadly comparable light‑twin mission endurance, but the AW109 Trekker is often cited with a somewhat longer published range in certain configurations, whereas the Bell 429’s practical range is competitive and frequently mission‑dependent (payload, reserves, and equipment fit can shift the advantage either way). For passenger capacity, both are typically configured to carry a pilot plus around six to seven passengers, with the Bell 429 often noted for a roomier cabin layout, while the AW109 Trekker’s seating is more tightly optimized for executive transport.
| Spec | Bell 429 GlobalRanger | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW109 Trekker |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.29 | $ 7.40 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Bell | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | 429 GlobalRanger | AW109 Trekker |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 365 | 450 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2535 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 931 | $ 1,125 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Bell BasiX-Pro | Genesys Aerosystems |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 148 | 152 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $7,500,000 | $6,950,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW207D1 | PW207C |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 1100 | 735 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 76 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 216.9 | 152 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width (ft) | 26.37 | — |
| Length (ft) | 43 | 42.5 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 6.58 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.25 | 11.5 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 36 | 35.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 130 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 74 | — |