H160 vs AW109 GrandNew
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) 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 cabin capacity, where the H160 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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H160 vs AW109 GrandNew: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 30% more range (H160: 430 nm; AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 1% more cruise speed (H160: 150 kt; AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt).
- The H160 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H160 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (13,228 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 H160 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 H160 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.
H160 vs AW109 GrandNew: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 430 nm for the H160.
Does the H160 or AW109 GrandNew seat more passengers?
The H160 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 8 on the AW109 GrandNew.
Which is faster, the H160 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 150 kt for the H160.
Which is newer, the H160 or the AW109 GrandNew?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew.
Is the H160 or the AW109 GrandNew the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H160 is the larger aircraft — 13,228 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW109 GrandNew.
Should I buy the H160 or the AW109 GrandNew?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H160 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 H160 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.