Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Leonardo Sh09

In category terms, the Leonardo AW109 Grand New is a light twin‑engine helicopter aimed at fast, versatile missions such as VIP/corporate transport, emergency medical services, and utility work, with the redundancy and performance typically associated with twins. The Leonardo SH09, by contrast, is a modern light single‑engine helicopter concept positioned for cost‑efficient operations such as training, private/owner flying, and light utility roles, emphasizing simplicity and lower operating costs rather than twin‑engine redundancy. For range, the AW109 Grand New generally offers longer legs, benefiting from its established platform and typical twin‑engine touring fit, making it more suited to point‑to‑point business travel and longer cross‑country missions. The SH09 is expected to deliver competitive range for a light single, but it is generally oriented toward shorter, regional missions where cost and ease of operation matter more than maximum endurance. In passenger capacity, the AW109 Grand New typically accommodates more people and/or a more flexible cabin layout, often carrying a pilot plus six to seven passengers depending on configuration, while the SH09 is aimed at a smaller cabin class, commonly around a pilot plus four passengers.