H160 vs AW119Kx
The H160 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) against the Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx (introduced 2000) 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. 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.
H160 vs AW119Kx: the key differences
- The AW119Kx delivers 19% more range (H160: 430 nm; AW119Kx: 511 nm).
- The H160 delivers 11% more cruise speed (H160: 150 kt; AW119Kx: 135 kt).
- The H160 delivers 71% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; AW119Kx: 7 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx), a gap of 21 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.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the H160 runs 2 engines against 1 on the AW119Kx — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H160 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H160 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
H160 vs AW119Kx: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the AW119Kx?
The AW119Kx has the longer published range — 511 nm versus 430 nm for the H160.
Does the H160 or AW119Kx seat more passengers?
The H160 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 7 on the AW119Kx.
Which is faster, the H160 or the AW119Kx?
The H160 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 135 kt for the AW119Kx.
Which is newer, the H160 or the AW119Kx?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx.
Is the H160 or the AW119Kx the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H160 is the larger aircraft — 13,228 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW119Kx.
Should I buy the H160 or the AW119Kx?
Choose the AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H160 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the H160 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 AW119Kx?
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.