AW109 GrandNew vs AW169
The AW109 GrandNew leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Leonardo Helicopters AW109 GrandNew (introduced 2012) 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 range, where the AW109 GrandNew 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.
AW109 GrandNew vs AW169: the key differences
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 30% more range (AW109 GrandNew: 561 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW109 GrandNew delivers 4% more cruise speed (AW109 GrandNew: 151 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The AW169 delivers 25% more passenger capacity (AW109 GrandNew: 8 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew), 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 6,283 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the AW169 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
AW109 GrandNew vs AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW169?
The AW109 GrandNew has the longer published range — 561 nm versus 430 nm for the AW169.
Does the AW109 GrandNew or AW169 seat more passengers?
The AW169 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 8 on the AW109 GrandNew.
Which is faster, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW169?
The AW109 GrandNew cruises faster, at 151 kt versus 145 kt for the AW169.
Which is newer, the AW109 GrandNew or the AW169?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2012 for the AW109 GrandNew.
Is the AW109 GrandNew or the AW169 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW169 is the larger aircraft — 10,630 lbs versus 6,283 lbs for the AW109 GrandNew.
Should I buy the AW109 GrandNew or the AW169?
Choose the AW109 GrandNew when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the AW169 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW109 GrandNew holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the AW109 GrandNew 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.