H225 Super Puma vs AW139
The AW139 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H225 Super Puma (introduced 2004) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 (introduced 2003) 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 AW139: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 6% more range (H225 Super Puma: 540 nm; AW139: 573 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 18% more cruise speed (H225 Super Puma: 142 kt; AW139: 167 kt).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 27% more passenger capacity (H225 Super Puma: 19 seats; AW139: 15 seats).
- The H225 Super Puma is the newer design (introduced 2004 versus 2003 for the AW139), a gap of 1 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 14,991 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?
Choose the AW139 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H225 Super Puma when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW139 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.
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H225 Super Puma vs AW139: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H225 Super Puma or the AW139?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 540 nm for the H225 Super Puma.
Does the H225 Super Puma or AW139 seat more passengers?
The H225 Super Puma carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 15 on the AW139.
Which is faster, the H225 Super Puma or the AW139?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 142 kt for the H225 Super Puma.
Which is newer, the H225 Super Puma or the AW139?
The H225 Super Puma is the newer design, introduced in 2004 versus 2003 for the AW139.
Is the H225 Super Puma or the AW139 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft — 24,251 lbs versus 14,991 lbs for the AW139.
Should I buy the H225 Super Puma or the AW139?
Choose the AW139 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the H225 Super Puma when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW139 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 H225 Super Puma 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.