AW109 GrandNew vs AW119Kx
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) beside the Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx (introduced 2000) 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 AW109 GrandNew carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
AW109 GrandNew vs AW119Kx: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 10% more range (AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm; AW119Kx: 511 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 12% more cruise speed (AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt; AW119Kx: 135 kt).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 14% more passenger capacity (AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats; AW119Kx: 7 seats).
- The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the AW109 GrandNew runs 2 engines against 1 on the AW119Kx — 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 AW119Kx 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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AW109 GrandNew vs AW119Kx: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW119Kx?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 511 nm for the AW119Kx.
Does the AW109 GrandNew or AW119Kx seat more passengers?
The AW109 GrandNew carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 8 seats, compared with 7 on the AW119Kx.
Which is faster, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW119Kx?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 135 kt for the AW119Kx.
Which is newer, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW119Kx?
The AW109 GrandNew is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx.
Should I buy the AW109 GrandNew or the AW119Kx?
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 AW119Kx 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 AW109 GrandNew vs AW119Kx?
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.