H145 vs AW169
The AW169 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H145 (introduced 2014) against the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) 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 AW169 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 AW169: the key differences
- The AW169 delivers 24% more range (H145: 348 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW169 delivers 4% more cruise speed (H145: 140 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The H145 delivers 10% more passenger capacity (H145: 11 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2014 for the H145), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW169 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,630 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 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 AW169 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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.
More comparisons
H145 vs AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H145 or the AW169?
The AW169 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 348 nm for the H145.
Does the H145 or AW169 seat more passengers?
The H145 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 10 on the AW169.
Which is faster, the H145 or the AW169?
The AW169 cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 140 kt for the H145.
Which is newer, the H145 or the AW169?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2014 for the H145.
Is the H145 or the AW169 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW169 is the larger aircraft — 10,630 lbs versus 7,903 lbs for the H145.
Should I buy the H145 or the AW169?
Choose the AW169 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H145 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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 AW169?
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.