H145 vs AW139
The AW139 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H145 (introduced 2014) against the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 (introduced 2003) 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 AW139 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 AW139: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 65% more range (H145: 348 nm; AW139: 573 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 19% more cruise speed (H145: 140 kt; AW139: 167 kt).
- The AW139 delivers 36% more passenger capacity (H145: 11 seats; AW139: 15 seats).
- The H145 is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 2003 for the AW139), a gap of 11 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 7,903 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 H145 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
H145 vs AW139: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H145 or the AW139?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 348 nm for the H145.
Does the H145 or AW139 seat more passengers?
The AW139 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 15 seats, compared with 11 on the H145.
Which is faster, the H145 or the AW139?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 140 kt for the H145.
Which is newer, the H145 or the AW139?
The H145 is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 2003 for the AW139.
Is the H145 or the AW139 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW139 is the larger aircraft — 14,991 lbs versus 7,903 lbs for the H145.
Should I buy the H145 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 H145 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 H145 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.