H130 vs 407GXi
The H130 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H130 (introduced 2012) against the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) 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.
H130 vs 407GXi: the key differences
- The H130 delivers 2% more range (H130: 335 nm; 407GXi: 330 nm).
- The 407GXi delivers 2% more cruise speed (H130: 130 kt; 407GXi: 133 kt).
- The H130 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (H130: 8 seats; 407GXi: 7 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2012 for the H130), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 407GXi is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (5,250 lbs versus 5,070 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?
On published specifications the H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 407GXi 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.
More comparisons
H130 vs 407GXi: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H130 or the 407GXi?
The H130 has the longer published range — 335 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the H130 or 407GXi seat more passengers?
The H130 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the H130 or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi cruises faster, at 133 kt versus 130 kt for the H130.
Which is newer, the H130 or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2012 for the H130.
Is the H130 or the 407GXi the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 407GXi is the larger aircraft — 5,250 lbs versus 5,070 lbs for the H130.
Should I buy the H130 or the 407GXi?
On published specifications the H130 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 407GXi 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 H130 vs 407GXi?
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.