407GXi vs AW169
The AW169 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bell Textron 407GXi (introduced 2018) beside the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) 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 AW169 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.
407GXi vs AW169: the key differences
- The AW169 delivers 30% more range (407GXi: 330 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW169 delivers 9% more cruise speed (407GXi: 133 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The AW169 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (407GXi: 7 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The 407GXi is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2015 for the AW169), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW169 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,630 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 AW169 — 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 AW169 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 AW169 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 AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 407GXi or the AW169?
The AW169 has the longer published range — 430 nm versus 330 nm for the 407GXi.
Does the 407GXi or AW169 seat more passengers?
The AW169 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 7 on the 407GXi.
Which is faster, the 407GXi or the AW169?
The AW169 cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 133 kt for the 407GXi.
Which is newer, the 407GXi or the AW169?
The 407GXi is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2015 for the AW169.
Is the 407GXi or the AW169 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW169 is the larger aircraft — 10,630 lbs versus 5,250 lbs for the 407GXi.
Should I buy the 407GXi or the AW169?
On published specifications the AW169 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 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.