H225 Super Puma vs 429
The H225 Super Puma leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H225 Super Puma (introduced 2004) and the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the H225 Super Puma 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.
H225 Super Puma vs 429: the key differences
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 31% more range (H225 Super Puma: 540 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The 429 delivers 6% more cruise speed (H225 Super Puma: 142 kt; 429: 150 kt).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 138% more passenger capacity (H225 Super Puma: 19 seats; 429: 8 seats).
- The 429 is the newer design (introduced 2009 versus 2004 for the H225 Super Puma), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (24,251 lbs versus 7,000 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 H225 Super Puma 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 H225 Super Puma leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 429 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.
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H225 Super Puma vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H225 Super Puma or the 429?
The H225 Super Puma has the longer published range — 540 nm versus 411 nm for the 429.
Does the H225 Super Puma or 429 seat more passengers?
The H225 Super Puma carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 8 on the 429.
Which is faster, the H225 Super Puma or the 429?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 142 kt for the H225 Super Puma.
Which is newer, the H225 Super Puma or the 429?
The 429 is the newer design, introduced in 2009 versus 2004 for the H225 Super Puma.
Is the H225 Super Puma or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft — 24,251 lbs versus 7,000 lbs for the 429.
Should I buy the H225 Super Puma or the 429?
On published specifications the H225 Super Puma leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 429 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 H225 Super Puma vs 429?
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.