H160 vs AW139
The AW139 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus Helicopters H160 (introduced 2021) 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.
H160 vs AW139: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 33% more range (H160: 430 nm; AW139: 573 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 11% more cruise speed (H160: 150 kt; AW139: 167 kt).
- The AW139 delivers 25% more passenger capacity (H160: 12 seats; AW139: 15 seats).
- The H160 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2003 for the AW139), a gap of 18 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 13,228 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 H160 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
H160 vs AW139: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H160 or the AW139?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 430 nm for the H160.
Does the H160 or AW139 seat more passengers?
The AW139 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 15 seats, compared with 12 on the H160.
Which is faster, the H160 or the AW139?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 150 kt for the H160.
Which is newer, the H160 or the AW139?
The H160 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2003 for the AW139.
Is the H160 or the AW139 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW139 is the larger aircraft — 14,991 lbs versus 13,228 lbs for the H160.
Should I buy the H160 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 H160 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 H160 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.