H145 vs AW109 GrandNew
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H145 (introduced 2014) against the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) 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 range, where the AW109 GrandNew has the advantage. 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.
H145 vs AW109 GrandNew: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 61% more range (H145: 348 nm; AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 8% more cruise speed (H145: 140 kt; AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt).
- The H145 delivers 38% more passenger capacity (H145: 11 seats; AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats).
- The H145 is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H145 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,903 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 H145 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 AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew 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.
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H145 vs AW109 GrandNew: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H145 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 348 nm for the H145.
Does the H145 or AW109 GrandNew seat more passengers?
The H145 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 8 on the AW109 GrandNew.
Which is faster, the H145 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 140 kt for the H145.
Which is newer, the H145 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The H145 is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew.
Is the H145 or the AW109 GrandNew the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H145 is the larger aircraft — 7,903 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW109 GrandNew.
Should I buy the H145 or the AW109 GrandNew?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew 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 H145 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.