407GXi vs AW109 GrandNew
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) beside the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the AW109 GrandNew has the advantage. undefined
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407GXi vs AW109 GrandNew: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 70% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 14% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 14% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW109 GrandNew is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,283 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 AW109 GrandNew — 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 AW109 GrandNew 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 AW109 GrandNew 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.
More comparisons
407GXi vs AW109 GrandNew: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the 407GXi or AW109 GrandNew seat more passengers?
The AW109 GrandNew carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the AW109 GrandNew?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the AW109 GrandNew?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew.
Is the 407GXi or the AW109 GrandNew the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW109 GrandNew is the larger aircraft — 6,283 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the AW109 GrandNew?
On published specifications the AW109 GrandNew 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 AW109 GrandNew?
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.