H135 vs AW139
The AW139 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H135 (introduced 1996) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 (introduced 2003) 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 cabin capacity, where the AW139 carries more passengers. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
H135 vs AW139: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 67% more range (H135: 343 nm; AW139: 573 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 22% more cruise speed (H135: 137 kt; AW139: 167 kt).
- The AW139 delivers 114% more passenger capacity (H135: 7 seats; AW139: 15 seats).
- The AW139 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1996 for the H135), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW139 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (14,991 lbs versus 6,415 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 AW139 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 AW139 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 AW139: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H135 or the AW139?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 343 nm for the H135.
Does the H135 or AW139 seat more passengers?
The AW139 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 15 seats, compared with 7 on the H135.
Which is faster, the H135 or the AW139?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 137 kt for the H135.
Which is newer, the H135 or the AW139?
The AW139 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1996 for the H135.
Is the H135 or the AW139 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW139 is the larger aircraft — 14,991 lbs versus 6,415 lbs for the H135.
Should I buy the H135 or the AW139?
On published specifications the AW139 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 AW139?
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.