H125 vs AW109 GrandNew
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H125 (introduced 2015) against the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (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 range, where the AW109 GrandNew has the advantage. 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 AW109 GrandNew: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 67% more range (H125: 335 nm; AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 16% more cruise speed (H125: 130 kt; AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 33% more passenger capacity (H125: 6 seats; AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats).
- The H125 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW109 GrandNew is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,283 lbs versus 4,960 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H125 runs 1 engine against 2 on the AW109 GrandNew — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 AW109 GrandNew 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?
On published specifications the AW109 GrandNew leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H125 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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H125 vs AW109 GrandNew: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H125 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 335 nm for the H125.
Does the H125 or AW109 GrandNew seat more passengers?
The AW109 GrandNew carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 6 on the H125.
Which is faster, the H125 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 130 kt for the H125.
Which is newer, the H125 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The H125 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew.
Is the H125 or the AW109 GrandNew the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW109 GrandNew is the larger aircraft — 6,283 lbs versus 4,960 lbs for the H125.
Should I buy the H125 or the AW109 GrandNew?
On published specifications the AW109 GrandNew leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The H125 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the H125 vs AW109 GrandNew?
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.