AW119Kx vs AW169
The AW169 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx (introduced 2000) and the Leonardo Helicopters AW169 (introduced 2015) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. 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.
AW119Kx vs AW169: the key differences
- The AW119Kx delivers 19% more range (AW119Kx: 511 nm; AW169: 430 nm).
- The AW169 delivers 7% more cruise speed (AW119Kx: 135 kt; AW169: 145 kt).
- The AW169 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (AW119Kx: 7 seats; AW169: 10 seats).
- The AW169 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx), a gap of 15 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.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the AW119Kx 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?
Choose the AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the AW169 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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.
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AW119Kx vs AW169: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW119Kx or the AW169?
The AW119Kx has the longer published range — 511 nm versus 430 nm for the AW169.
Does the AW119Kx or AW169 seat more passengers?
The AW169 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 7 on the AW119Kx.
Which is faster, the AW119Kx or the AW169?
The AW169 cruises faster, at 145 kt versus 135 kt for the AW119Kx.
Which is newer, the AW119Kx or the AW169?
The AW169 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2000 for the AW119Kx.
Is the AW119Kx 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 AW119Kx.
Should I buy the AW119Kx or the AW169?
Choose the AW119Kx when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the AW169 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the AW169 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 AW119Kx 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.