407GXi vs AW139
The AW139 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) beside the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 (introduced 2003) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are helicopters, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the AW139 carries more passengers. undefined
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407GXi vs AW139: the key differences
- The AW139 delivers 74% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; AW139: 573 nm).
- The AW139 delivers 26% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; AW139: 167 kt).
- The AW139 delivers 114% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; AW139: 15 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2003 for the AW139), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW139 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (14,991 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 AW139 — 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 AW139 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 AW139 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 AW139: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the AW139?
The AW139 has the longer published range — 573 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the 407GXi or AW139 seat more passengers?
The AW139 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 15 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the AW139?
The AW139 cruises faster, at 167 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the AW139?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2003 for the AW139.
Is the 407GXi or the AW139 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW139 is the larger aircraft — 14,991 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the AW139?
On published specifications the AW139 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 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.