407GXi vs 429
The 429 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) against the Bell Textron 429 (introduced 2009) 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 429 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.
407GXi vs 429: the key differences
- The 429 delivers 25% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; 429: 411 nm).
- The 429 delivers 13% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; 429: 150 kt).
- The 429 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; 429: 8 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2009 for the 429), a gap of 9 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 429 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 lbs versus 5,250 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 407GXi runs 1 engine against 2 on the 429 — 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 429 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 429 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 407GXi 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.
407GXi vs 429: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the 429?
The 429 has the longer published range — 411 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the 407GXi or 429 seat more passengers?
The 429 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the 429?
The 429 cruises faster, at 150 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the 429?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2009 for the 429.
Is the 407GXi or the 429 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 429 is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the 429?
On published specifications the 429 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 407GXi 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 407GXi 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.