AW119Kx vs MD 500E
The AW119Kx leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx (introduced 2000) beside the MD Helicopters MD 500E (introduced 1982) 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 AW119Kx has the advantage. undefined
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AW119Kx vs MD 500E: the key differences
- The AW119Kx delivers 120% more range (AW119Kx: 511 nm; MD 500E: 232 nm).
- The AW119Kx delivers 1% more cruise speed (AW119Kx: 135 kt; MD 500E: 134 kt).
- The AW119Kx delivers 40% more passenger capacity (AW119Kx: 7 seats; MD 500E: 5 seats).
- The AW119Kx is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1982 for the MD 500E), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The AW119Kx is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,283 lbs versus 3,000 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 AW119Kx 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 AW119Kx leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E 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
AW119Kx vs MD 500E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the AW119Kx or the MD 500E?
The AW119Kx has the longer published range — 511 nm versus 232 nm for the MD 500E.
Does the AW119Kx or MD 500E seat more passengers?
The AW119Kx carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 5 on the MD 500E.
Which is faster, the AW119Kx or the MD 500E?
The AW119Kx cruises faster, at 135 kt versus 134 kt for the MD 500E.
Which is newer, the AW119Kx or the MD 500E?
The AW119Kx is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1982 for the MD 500E.
Is the AW119Kx or the MD 500E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the AW119Kx is the larger aircraft — 6,283 lbs versus 3,000 lbs for the MD 500E.
Should I buy the AW119Kx or the MD 500E?
On published specifications the AW119Kx leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The MD 500E 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 AW119Kx vs MD 500E?
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.