H135 vs 407GXi
The H135 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) and the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H135 vs 407GXi: the key differences
- The H135 delivers 4% more range (H135: 343 nm; 407GXi: 330 nm).
- The H135 delivers 3% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; 407GXi: 133 kt).
- The H135 and 407GXi are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 7 seats.
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 22 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H135 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,415 lbs versus 5,250 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H135 runs 2 engines against 1 on the 407GXi — 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 H135 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 H135 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
H135 vs 407GXi: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the 407GXi?
The H135 has the longer published range — 343 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the H135 or the 407GXi?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the H135 or the 407GXi?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the 407GXi the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the H135 or the 407GXi?
On published specifications the H135 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 H135 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.