H135 vs AW119Kx
The H135 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx (introduced 2000) 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 AW119Kx has the advantage. undefined
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H135 vs AW119Kx: the key differences
- The AW119Kx delivers 49% more range (H135: 343 nm; AW119Kx: 511 nm).
- The H135 delivers 1% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; AW119Kx: 135 kt).
- The H135 and AW119Kx are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 7 seats.
- The AW119Kx is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 4 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.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H135 runs 2 engines against 1 on the AW119Kx — 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?
Choose the AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H135 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 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.
H135 vs AW119Kx: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the AW119Kx?
The AW119Kx has the longer published range — 511 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Which is faster, the H135 or the AW119Kx?
The H135 cruises faster, at 137 kt versus 135 kt for the AW119Kx.
Which is newer, the H135 or the AW119Kx?
The AW119Kx is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the AW119Kx the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H135 is the larger aircraft — 6,415 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW119Kx.
Should I buy the H135 or the AW119Kx?
Choose the AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H135 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H135 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 H135 vs AW119Kx?
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.