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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus Helicopters H120, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC120, is a light, single-engine helicopter engineered for short-haul, point-to-point flights, comfortably seating up to four passengers plus pilot. Introduced in the late 1990s, the H120 is celebrated for its exceptional visibility, quiet operation, and compact footprint—making it the go-to choice for executive transfers, aerial tours, and city-to-resort connections.


For discerning travelers seeking direct access to remote destinations or metropolitan centers without the constraints of airports, the H120 provides a seamless, efficient, and luxurious alternative to ground transportation. This page explores the H120's key specifications, cabin experience, range, indicative charter rates, and answers to the most common client questions.

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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Overview

The H120 stands at the forefront of the light helicopter category, appreciated for its blend of agility, safety, and comfort. The aircraft typically accommodates four passengers and a pilot, with a spacious cabin that maximizes visibility and passenger experience. Its single Turbomeca Arrius 2F engine delivers reliable performance, allowing operations in both urban and rugged environments with ease.


Operators value the H120's low noise signature and economical fuel consumption, making it ideal for sensitive areas where discretion and efficiency are paramount. The helicopter's advanced Fenestron tail rotor and high-set main rotor further enhance safety and reduce operational noise, setting a new standard for urban and resort transfers.


Clients enjoy rapid, on-demand access to destinations unreachable by fixed-wing aircraft, while operators benefit from the H120's straightforward maintenance and strong global support network, ensuring consistent availability and reliability for premium charter missions.

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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Helicopter

Passenger capacity:

Up to 4 (typical), 4 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot

Range:

Approximately 770 nautical miles (around 886 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

108 knots (about 124 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 92 knots

Service ceiling:

20000 fee

Engines:

One Turbomeca Arrius 2F turboshaft

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 984 feet

Landing distance:

About 984 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 15 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 0.5 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1990s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Range and Performance

With a range of up to 770 miles, the H120 is perfect for regional flights, fast city hops, and scenic tours without the need for refueling. It connects city centers to outlying resorts, country estates, or yachts, bypassing traditional airports and traffic entirely. | Efficient cruise speeds of approximately 108 knots allow for swift transfers, while the helicopter's compact size enables landings at helipads, private properties, and remote locations inaccessible to most aircraft. Its low fuel burn and high reliability make it a top choice for both short and medium-range private missions. | The H120's advanced design ensures smooth, quiet flights with a service ceiling of 20,000 feet—offering stable operations even in challenging weather or high-altitude environments. This combination of range, versatility, and comfort creates a premium, time-saving travel solution for both business and leisure flyers.

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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Cabin Experience and Interior

The H120's cabin is engineered for an exceptional passenger experience, with expansive windows offering panoramic views and abundant natural light. The ergonomic seating for four ensures comfort, while ample headroom and noise-reducing features create a peaceful in-flight environment. | The versatile interior configuration supports both executive and leisure missions, with leather seating and high-quality finishes throughout. Passengers benefit from climate control, discreet storage for personal items, and direct communication with the pilot, ensuring a tailored journey. | While the baggage compartment is compact, it can accommodate soft-sided bags for weekend getaways or essentials for a business trip. The overall design transforms short flights into memorable, luxurious experiences above cityscapes or breathtaking landscapes.

Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 typically runs in the range of $1500 to $2000 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120?

The Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the H120 is not intended for long-haul or high-capacity missions, it excels at point-to-point transfers, sightseeing, and rapid access to locations where fixed-wing aircraft cannot land. For up to four travelers seeking efficiency, privacy, and direct access to exclusive destinations, the H120 is unrivaled in the light helicopter segment.

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How the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Compares to Other Helicopter

The Airbus Helicopters H120, originally launched as the Eurocopter EC120 Colibri, was developed through a collaboration between Airbus Helicopters, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), and Singapore Technologies Aerospace. First introduced in the late 1990s, it was designed to meet the growing demand for a modern, quiet, and versatile light helicopter.


Advanced features such as the Fenestron tail rotor, crash-resistant fuel system, and modular construction set the H120 apart from its contemporaries, delivering safety, ease of maintenance, and superior comfort.


More than 700 units were produced before production ceased in 2017, with the H120 continuing to serve corporate, VIP, and utility roles worldwide. Its legacy endures through its reputation for reliability, excellent handling, and innovative design—qualities that make it a favorite for private charter and executive transport.

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Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 History and Background

The Airbus Helicopters H120, originally launched as the Eurocopter EC120 Colibri, was developed through a collaboration between Airbus Helicopters, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), and Singapore Technologies Aerospace. First introduced in the late 1990s, it was designed to meet the growing demand for a modern, quiet, and versatile light helicopter.


Advanced features such as the Fenestron tail rotor, crash-resistant fuel system, and modular construction set the H120 apart from its contemporaries, delivering safety, ease of maintenance, and superior comfort.


More than 700 units were produced before production ceased in 2017, with the H120 continuing to serve corporate, VIP, and utility roles worldwide. Its legacy endures through its reputation for reliability, excellent handling, and innovative design—qualities that make it a favorite for private charter and executive transport.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Carry?

The H120 typically seats up to four passengers in a single executive row behind the pilot, offering excellent visibility and comfort for both business and leisure flights.

What Is the Range of the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120?

The Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 has a range of approximately 770 nautical miles, or roughly 886 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 108 knots (about 124 mph), with a long-range cruise near 92 knots. The aircraft's 20000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1500 and $2000 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The H120 features a spacious, well-lit cabin with large windows and ergonomic seating, as well as a climate-controlled environment and a secure baggage compartment for small items.

Is the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and city-to-resort trips, absolutely. The H120's range of up to 770 miles covers popular routes such as New York to the Hamptons or Nice to St. Tropez with ease, eliminating ground traffic and maximizing your valuable time.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Airbus Helicopters H120 / Eurocopter EC120, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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