H135 vs AW109 GrandNew
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the AW109 GrandNew has the advantage. undefined
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H135 vs AW109 GrandNew: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 64% more range (H135: 343 nm; AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 10% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 14% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats).
- The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 16 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 6,283 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 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 H135 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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H135 vs AW109 GrandNew: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or AW109 GrandNew seat more passengers?
The AW109 GrandNew carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the H135.
Which is faster, the H135 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 137 kt for the H135.
Which is newer, the H135 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the AW109 GrandNew the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW109 GrandNew.
Should I buy the H135 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 H135 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 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.