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Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Helicopter Specifications and Charter Rates

The Airbus H130, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC130, is a single-engine light helicopter designed for premium short-haul missions, carrying up to seven passengers in comfort and style at a cruise speed of 127 knots over a range of up to 327 nautical miles. Since its introduction in the early 2000s, the H130 has earned a reputation for ultra-quiet operation, panoramic visibility, and a spacious cabin that sets the benchmark for luxury rotorcraft in its class.


Ideal for executive transfers, sightseeing, and resort access, the H130 makes point-to-point connections seamless, bypassing ground traffic and delivering guests directly to their destination. This profile covers the H130's specifications, cabin features, performance, charter rates, and answers to the most common questions posed by discerning flyers.

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Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Overview

The Airbus H130 is classified as a light helicopter, a segment celebrated for its agility, efficiency, and minimal footprint. It typically seats six to seven passengers in a single, open cabin designed for optimal comfort and visibility. Powered by a single Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, it boasts a service ceiling of 13,000 feet, enabling operations over cityscapes, mountainous terrain, or coastlines with ease.


The H130 stands out for its minimal noise signature, thanks to the signature Fenestron tail rotor and advanced vibration control, making it the preferred choice for urban air mobility and environmentally sensitive routes.


Operators value the H130 for its versatile performance, low operating costs, and robust safety record. For private clients, this translates to smooth, quiet flights and the flexibility to land at locations inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft, making it perfect for both business and leisure missions.

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Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 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 6 (typical), 7 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot

Range:

Approximately 610 nautical miles (around 610 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

127 knots (about 146 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 120 knots

Service ceiling:

13000 fee

Engines:

Single Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1300 feet

Landing distance:

About 1200 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 25 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 0.7 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 2000s

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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.

airbus-helicopters-h130---eurocopter-ec130

Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Range and Performance

With a practical range of about 327 nautical miles, the H130 is ideal for intercity connections, scenic tours, and quick executive hops. It links destinations such as Manhattan and the Hamptons, Monaco and St. Tropez, or downtown Vancouver and Whistler seamlessly and efficiently. | The H130’s cruise speed of 127 knots ensures rapid travel while its agile handling allows access to city helipads, private estates, and remote resort locations. Its low fuel burn and advanced rotor technology support eco-friendly operations, making it a go-to for noise-sensitive environments and exclusive travel alike. | The ability to land nearly anywhere and bypass airport congestion transforms your journey, reducing total travel time and delivering you precisely where you need to be.

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Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Cabin Experience and Interior

The H130’s cabin is renowned for its generous space and exceptional visibility. Panoramic windows provide every passenger with a front-row seat to the landscape, whether over iconic skylines or breathtaking natural vistas. | Seating accommodates up to seven guests in plush, ergonomic seats arranged in an open configuration, ensuring a social environment ideal for sightseeing or business conversation. The climate-controlled interior and advanced noise insulation guarantee a tranquil, comfortable journey. | A compact luggage compartment handles personal bags and light gear, making the H130 well-suited for luxury escapes and day trips. For those seeking a premium point-to-point experience, the H130’s fusion of comfort, style, and practicality is unmatched.

Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 typically runs in the range of $1700 to $2500 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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130 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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130?

The Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 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 H130 is not built for long-haul or large group travel, it excels for short to medium hops, VIP transfers, and sightseeing missions where access, speed, and comfort are the top priorities. It’s the perfect solution for individuals or small groups seeking direct, exclusive connections between cities, resorts, or event venues.

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How the Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Compares to Other Helicopter

The H130 stands at the pinnacle of luxury single-engine helicopters, building on the legacy of the AS350 and evolving to set new standards in passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Its introduction of the Fenestron tail rotor and advanced vibration reduction established a new benchmark for quiet, smooth helicopter flight.


Unlike earlier light helicopter models, the H130 boasts a larger, more open cabin, enhanced avionics, and improved safety features. It continues to be the preferred choice for private aviation clients who demand a refined, environmentally responsible, and versatile rotorcraft experience.

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Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 History and Background

The Airbus H130, originally launched as the Eurocopter EC130, traces its roots to the successful AS350 series and entered the market in the early 2000s as a modern answer to luxury rotorcraft travel. Built with a focus on passenger comfort and environmental responsibility, it introduced features such as the Fenestron tail rotor, digital avionics, and a spacious, low-vibration cabin that quickly set it apart from traditional light helicopters.


The H130’s continual evolution under Airbus has seen upgrades in engine performance, avionics, and interior appointments, maintaining its position at the forefront of the luxury helicopter charter market. Today, it is a favorite among discerning operators and private flyers seeking the finest in short-range aerial travel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Carry?

The H130 typically seats up to six passengers, with an optional seventh seat for select configurations. Its open-cabin layout and ample legroom accommodate small groups or families in comfort for short and medium-length flights.

What Is the Range of the Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130?

The Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 has a range of approximately 610 nautical miles, or roughly 610 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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 127 knots (about 146 mph), with a long-range cruise near 120 knots. The aircraft's 13000-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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1700 and $2500 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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The H130 features a spacious cabin with panoramic windows, climate control, and advanced noise insulation, allowing passengers to move comfortably and enjoy the scenery. There is also a secure luggage compartment for light bags and personal items.

Is the Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most city-to-resort or intercity routes, yes. The H130 can link destinations such as New York and the Hamptons or downtown Los Angeles and Malibu without refueling, but longer journeys may require a brief stop, as is typical for helicopters in this class.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Airbus Helicopters H130 / Eurocopter EC130 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 H130 / Eurocopter EC130, 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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