H225 Super Puma vs AW169
The H225 Super Puma leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus Helicopters H225 Super Puma (introduced 2004) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) 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 AW169: the key differences
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 26% more range (H225 Super Puma: 540 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW169 delivers 2% more cruise speed (H225 Super Puma: 142 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The H225 Super Puma delivers 90% more passenger capacity (H225 Super Puma: 19 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2004 for the H225 Super Puma), a gap of 11 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 10,630 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 AW169 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 AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the H225 Super Puma or the AW169?
The H225 Super Puma has the longer published range — 540 nm versus 430 nm for the AW169.
Does the H225 Super Puma or AW169 seat more passengers?
The H225 Super Puma carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 10 on the AW169.
Which is faster, the H225 Super Puma or the AW169?
The AW169 cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 142 kt for the H225 Super Puma.
Which is newer, the H225 Super Puma or the AW169?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2004 for the H225 Super Puma.
Is the H225 Super Puma or the AW169 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the H225 Super Puma is the larger aircraft — 24,251 lbs versus 10,630 lbs for the AW169.
Should I buy the H225 Super Puma or the AW169?
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 AW169 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 AW169?
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.