Aircraft cost guide
AW139 Charter: Range, Cabin & Cost Factors
The Leonardo AW139 is the medium twin most often requested for long VIP transfers, offshore rotations and group travel with luggage. This guide sets out what it actually costs to charter one — by region, by route and line by line — from a desk that operates no aircraft and sources competing operator offers.
Quick answer
What drives AW139 charter cost?
The AW139 is a medium twin used for offshore, VIP and long-sector work, and it is quoted per mission. Cost is set by block time, two-pilot IFR crewing, fuel burn at medium-twin levels, landing and handling at both ends, positioning legs and any crew overnight. Its cabin size and range are what justify the higher hourly figure over a light twin.
Key takeaways
- Medium twin: more cabin, range and payload than an AW109 or Bell 429, at a higher hourly cost.
- Always two-pilot IFR in VIP configuration, which is priced into crew cost.
- Positioning to and from base often exceeds the revenue sector on remote missions.
- Best value when passenger count, luggage or sector length rules out a light twin.
Reviewed by the SkyMatch Group charter desk · Updated 17 August 2026
AW139 charter pricing
AW139 charter rates are provided on request. As a medium twin, it offers a stand-up cabin, a 1,060 km range, and 306 km/h cruise speed, with quotes reflecting the aircraft's significant performance and capacity.
| Region | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe (France, Italy, Switzerland, UK) | On request | Quotes include two pilots and standard VIP cabin; positioning for Riviera and Alpine peak seasons drives the total. |
| United Arab Emirates & Gulf | On request | Strong AW139 availability in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; offshore-configured aircraft may differ from VIP specifications. |
| United States (Northeast, Florida, Gulf Coast) | On request | Part 135 VIP AW139s are quoted based on specific base locations and ferry requirements. |
| Brazil (São Paulo, Rio) | On request | Large installed base in São Paulo; short intra-city legs are subject to minimum billable times. |
| Southeast Asia & Australia | On request | VIP-configured airframes are quoted with positioning from regional operational bases. |
AW139 specifications at a glance
| Manufacturer / class | Leonardo — medium twin-engine, category A certified |
| Passengers | 12 in high-density fit; 6–8 in a VIP club or executive cabin |
| Cabin | Stand-up 8.0 m³ cabin, optional galley and lavatory, full soundproofing |
| Cruise speed | 306 km/h (165 kt) — the fastest medium twin in regular charter service |
| Range | 1,060 km (573 nm) with standard tanks; ~2 h 45 m endurance with reserves |
| Engines | Twin Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C with FADEC, full OEI performance |
| MTOW | 7,000 kg |
| Baggage | Up to 350 kg in a dedicated external compartment |
| Avionics | Full IFR, four-axis autopilot, two-pilot operation standard |
| Safety | 60-minute run-dry main gearbox, HUMS monitoring, Category A takeoff/landing |
Indicative AW139 routes
Flight times are estimates based on standard cruise speeds. Final quotes are influenced by positioning, landing fees, and seasonal demand — request a live quote for your exact itinerary.
| Route | Flight time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai → Abu Dhabi (130 km) | about 30 min, estimate | On request | City helipad to city helipad; avoids the E11 entirely. |
| Nice → Monaco (22 km) | about 7 min, estimate | On request | Chartered for privacy, luggage capacity, or larger group requirements. |
| London → Paris (340 km) | about 1 h 50 m, estimate | On request | Within AW139 range without a fuel stop; two-pilot IFR operations. |
| Milan → Portofino (160 km) | about 40 min, estimate | On request | Lands minutes from the marina; 350 kg baggage bay suits yacht transfers. |
| Doha → offshore platform (180 km) | about 45 min, estimate | On request | Quoted for offshore-configured AW139s with specialized safety equipment. |
| São Paulo → Angra dos Reis (200 km) | about 50 min, estimate | On request | Popular weekend routing; subject to seasonal demand and helipad slots. |
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: the benchmark AW139 sector
The UAE has one of the densest AW139 populations anywhere, split between offshore energy operators and VIP charter fleets. A Dubai–Abu Dhabi transfer is about 130 km, flown helipad to helipad in roughly 30 minutes against road alternatives. Exclusive use of a VIP AW139 is quoted on request on request, including ground waiting time. See our quote desk for live UAE availability.
Nice to Monaco: when the AW139 is deliberately oversized
The 22 km Nice–Monaco shuttle is normally flown by light twins, and an AW139 on that leg is chosen for a reason — a large party arriving together, significant luggage from a jet transfer, or complete privacy during Grand Prix week. Quotes for exclusive use are based on flight time minimums and Monaco handling fees. Detail on schedules and alternatives is in our Nice to Monaco guide and the French Riviera transfer guide.
Factors driving an AW139 quote
| Flight time & Minimums | Quotes are based on estimated flight time. Medium twins typically carry a higher minimum billable time per leg. |
| Positioning / Ferry time | The distance from the operator's base to your departure point is a significant factor in the total quote. |
| Landing and handling fees | Fees vary by helipad; airport-based movements and city-centre pads involve specific handling charges. |
| Crew overnight / duty | For multi-day itineraries, quotes include crew accommodation, meals and duty-day extension fees. |
| Wait time & Demurrage | If the aircraft remains on the ground for a return leg, waiting time is factored into the operator's offer. |
| VIP cabin premium | Specialized VIP interiors with galley and lavatory are quoted based on specific airframe availability. |
| Permits and slots | Cross-border legs and event airspace (e.g., Grand Prix) add fixed administrative costs and lead-time constraints. |
The single most effective way to reduce an AW139 quote is to shorten positioning. Chartering an aircraft already based near your departure point can remove one to two billed hours before anyone boards. The second is to keep the aircraft with you on a round trip rather than releasing and re-positioning it between legs.
AW139 versus the alternatives
| Aircraft | Pax | Range | Cruise | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo AW139 | 8 VIP / 12 max | 1,060 km | 306 km/h | On request | Long VIP transfers, offshore, head-of-state, group travel with luggage |
| Airbus H145 | 8 | 690 km | 250 km/h | On request | Shorter executive legs where a medium twin is oversized |
| Leonardo AW109 | 6 | 800 km | 285 km/h | On request | Fast light twin for two to six passengers |
| Bell 429 | 7 | 720 km | 287 km/h | On request | Corporate IFR shuttle, flat-floor cabin |
If your party is four or fewer and the sector is under 100 km, a light twin will do the same job for materially less. The AW139 earns its rate on range, cabin volume, baggage capacity and all-weather twin-engine IFR capability. Compare airframes on our fleet page.
When the AW139 is the right choice
- Six to eight passengers with luggage — the 350 kg baggage bay and stand-up cabin have no light-twin equivalent.
- Sectors of 200–1,000 km — flown non-stop where a light twin needs a fuel stop.
- Night, over-water or marginal weather — two pilots, full IFR and Category A performance.
- Offshore energy rotations — floats, HUET-trained crews and HUMS monitoring as standard.
- Head-of-state and security-sensitive movements — the reference airframe in this category worldwide.
How we price AW139 charters
SkyMatch operates no aircraft. We source competing offers from independent AW139 operators in your region, normalise them to a single all-in landed cost — including positioning, minimums, handling and crew — and present them side by side. If a lighter airframe achieves your mission for less, we say so. More on the desk on our personal concierge page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter an AW139?
AW139 charter quotes are provided on request and depend on flight time, positioning from the aircraft's base, and landing fees. As a medium twin, it is priced based on its significant range and cabin capacity, with factors like two-pilot operations and specialized VIP interiors influencing the final quote.
How many passengers can an AW139 carry?
Up to 12 in a high-density configuration and typically 6 to 8 in a VIP club layout with wider seats, a galley and in some airframes a lavatory. It is one of the few charter helicopters with a genuine stand-up cabin, which is why it is chosen for longer executive sectors.
What is the range of an AW139?
About 1,060 km (573 nm) with standard tanks, or roughly 2 hours 45 minutes of endurance including reserves. That covers London–Paris, Dubai–Doha and most Mediterranean island crossings without a fuel stop.
Is the AW139 worth the premium over a light twin?
It is when the mission requires the cabin volume, range, or specific weather resilience. The AW139 is the correct choice for larger parties, long over-water sectors, or when a stand-up cabin is a priority for passenger comfort.
Why is the AW139 popular for offshore and government work?
Category A performance, a 60-minute run-dry gearbox, twin engines, and full IFR capabilities make it the default medium twin for offshore energy and head-of-state transport. These safety attributes also make it a preferred choice for VIP over-water and night sectors.
Can I charter an AW139 in Dubai for an Abu Dhabi trip?
Yes. The UAE has a large AW139 population and quotes are provided on request for helipad-to-helipad transfers. Final pricing is driven by aircraft positioning, landing fees at city helipads, and your specific schedule requirements.
What drives AW139 charter prices?
Key drivers include positioning distance from the operator's base, cabin configuration (VIP versus utility), seasonal demand, and whether the aircraft waits on the ground or repositions between legs.
Related reading
- Helicopter charter pricing guide — how block hours, minimums and repositioning are billed.
- Single vs twin-engine helicopters — which airframe class your mission requires.
- Helicopter vs private jet — cost and door-to-door time under 300 km.
- Charter budget planner — model your own route and aircraft class.