H125 vs H130
The H125 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H125 (introduced 2015) against the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H130 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H125 vs H130: the key differences
- The H125 and H130 are evenly matched on range, both at 335 nm.
- The H125 and H130 are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 130 kt.
- The H130 delivers 33% more passenger capacity (H125: 6 seats; H130: 8 seats).
- The H125 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2012 for the H130), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H130 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,070 lbs versus 4,960 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the H130 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the H125 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H125 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
H125 vs H130: FAQs
Does the H125 or H130 seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 6 on the H125.
Which is newer, the H125 or the H130?
The H125 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2012 for the H130.
Is the H125 or the H130 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H130 is the larger aircraft — 5,070 lbs versus 4,960 lbs for the H125.
Should I buy the H125 or the H130?
Choose the H125 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H130 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H125 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the H125 vs H130?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.