Leonardo Aw109 Grand New vs Sikorsky S 76d

The Leonardo AW109 Grand New and the Sikorsky S‑76D are both twin‑engine, IFR-capable light/medium-class helicopters often used for corporate transport, EMS, and utility missions, but they sit in different capacity and weight categories. The AW109 Grand New is typically considered a light twin, emphasizing speed, agility, and efficient operating costs, with a usual seating arrangement of about six to seven passengers (depending on interior fit) plus one or two pilots. The S‑76D is generally a larger, medium twin, optimized for higher payload and cabin volume, and commonly carries around eight passengers in executive/offshore-style layouts plus one or two pilots. In range terms, both are capable of regional point-to-point missions; however, the S‑76D commonly offers a longer practical range in typical configurations, while the AW109 Grand New’s range is competitive for its lighter class but often somewhat shorter depending on fuel and payload tradeoffs. Overall, the AW109 favors lighter, faster, cost-efficient missions, while the S‑76D favors more passengers and longer legs with a roomier cabin.